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.
That means fewer ineligible people continuing on outdated paperwork, saving money for the truly needy. Lauren Arikan, Baltimore Sun, 21 July 2025 House Republicans previously proposed raising the credits required to receive the maximum award and making students enrolled less than half-time ineligible. Natalie Yahr, jsonline.com, 19 July 2025 If Rozier were to be ruled ineligible by the NBA, such remaining salary at the time of such an NBA ruling would be wiped from the Heat’s salary cap, luxury tax and tax aprons. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 18 July 2025 In 1898, in the landmark case of U.S. v Wong Kim Ark, the Supreme Court reaffirmed the birthright citizenship guarantee, clarifying that even if one’s parents were legally ineligible for U.S. citizenship, a child born on U.S. soil was a citizen. Time, 14 July 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ineligible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ineligible. Accessed 29 Jul. 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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