Words / C1

in-EL-ij-uh-bl/ɪnˈelɪdʒəbl/

Ineligible means not allowed to do, have, or take part in something: ineligible for funding, ineligible to sit. Eligible (already in the dictionary) sits opposite; a crest on the letterhead does not create a right to enter.

Meaning

Not allowed to take part or to receive something under the rules.

Examples

• “An ineligible candidate still voids the paper; a witty caption does not repair it.”
• “A crest on the letterhead does not make an ineligible candidate sit.”
• “Unqualified is everyday. Disqualified is after a rule is applied. A crest is branding. A criteria line on the form is the rule. Apply the line; then print the crest if the candidate still qualifies.”

Good to know

Not allowed to take part or receive. Opposite: eligible (already in the dictionary). A crest ≠ eligibility.

Near in meaning

unqualified, disqualified

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