First Known Use: 1770
Dictionary
ineligible
adjective in·el·i·gi·ble \(ˌ)i-ˈne-lə-jə-bəl\
: not allowed to do or be something : not eligible
Full Definition of INELIGIBLE
: not eligible: as a : not qualified for an office or position b : not permitted under football rules to catch a forward pass <an ineligible receiver>
— in·el·i·gi·bil·i·ty \-ˌne-lə-jə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
— ineligible noun
See ineligible defined for English-language learners
See ineligible defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of INELIGIBLE
French inéligible, from in- + éligible eligible
INELIGIBLE Defined for Kids
ineligible
adjective in·el·i·gi·ble \i-ˈne-lə-jə-bəl\
Definition of INELIGIBLE for Kids
: not qualified to be chosen or used <He was ineligible for financial aid.>
Learn More About INELIGIBLE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: ineligible paperPrevious Word in the Dictionary: inelegantAll Words Near: ineligible
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up ineligible? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).