ineligible

adjective

in·​el·​i·​gi·​ble (ˌ)i-ˈne-lə-jə-bəl How to pronounce ineligible (audio)
: not eligible: such as
a
: not qualified for an office or position
b
: not permitted under football rules to catch a forward pass
an ineligible receiver
ineligible noun

Examples of ineligible in a Sentence

Previously ineligible patients may now be able to participate in the study. They are ineligible for a loan.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Specifically, the bill calls out cannabis by name—not by Schedule—as ineligible for deduction. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2025 Unfortunately, private-sector companies in Florida need 50 or more employees to qualify for FMLA provisions, leaving many workers, particularly those employed by small businesses, ineligible for its protections. Rebecca L. Palmer, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2025 One small problem, though—undocumented immigrants are ALREADY ineligible for Social Security benefits. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 8 Feb. 2025 The lawsuit also accuses Ivy League Executive Director Robin Harris of fighting against tighter NCAA rules on transgender participation in swimming, which the NCAA was considering and would have made Thomas ineligible to compete in 2022. Andy Rose, CNN, 6 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for ineligible 

Word History

Etymology

French inéligible, from in- + éligible eligible

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ineligible was in 1770

Dictionary Entries Near ineligible

Cite this Entry

“Ineligible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ineligible. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

ineligible

adjective
in·​el·​i·​gi·​ble (ˈ)in-ˈel-ə-jə-bəl How to pronounce ineligible (audio)
: not qualified to be chosen or used
ineligible noun

More from Merriam-Webster on ineligible

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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