Ineligible
/ɪnˈɛlɪdʒəbəl/
Definitions
Not allowed or qualified to do something; disqualified.
/ɪnˈɛlɪdʒəbəl/
Not permitted or qualified to do or be something.
Due to his criminal record, he was deemed ineligible to hold public office.
💡 Simply: Imagine you want to join a club, but you don't meet the rules. Maybe you're not the right age, or you haven't done what they ask. If this happens, you are ineligible. It means you can't join or do something.
👶 For kids: It means you are NOT allowed to do something. Like, if you're not old enough to drive, you're ineligible to get a driver's license.
More Examples
The company's policy made employees ineligible for the bonus if they had taken sick leave.
She was ineligible for the scholarship because she didn't meet the GPA requirements.
How It's Used
"The candidate was declared ineligible to run for office due to residency requirements."
"The player was ruled ineligible for the championship after failing to meet academic standards."
"Because of her poor credit history, she was deemed ineligible for the loan."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
From Middle English *ineligible*, from Latin *in-,* meaning "not," and *eligibilis*, meaning "capable of being chosen" or "suitable for selection." The Latin root is from *eligo* meaning "to choose or select."
Historically, the term was often used in legal and political contexts, especially concerning voting rights and holding office.
Memory tip
Think of "in" as "not." If you are "ineligible," you are NOT eligible.
Word Origin
"not capable of being chosen"