Eligible — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /ˈe-lə-jə-bəl/ el·i·gi·ble

Meaning & Definition of Eligible

Eligible (adjective)

  1. qualified to participate or be chosen
  2. permitted under football rules to catch a forward pass
  3. worthy of being chosen

Eligible (noun)

  1. a person or thing that is qualified or permitted to do or be something, one that is eligible for something

Eligible (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in able, qualified

    similar: able, capable, competent, expert, fit, qualified, skilled, skillful, ultracompetent, prepared, ready, trained, overqualified, accomplished, ace, adept, consummate, crack, experienced, practiced, seasoned, veteran, virtuoso, all-around, protean, versatile
    opposite: disqualified, ineligible, inapt, incapable, incompetent, inept, inexpert, unable, unfit, unfitted, unqualified, unskilled, unskillful, ineffective, ineffectual, inefficient

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Eligible

The most common words with a similar meaning to Eligible:

able, capable, competent, expert, fit, qualified, skilled, skillful, ultracompetent, prepared, ready, trained, overqualified, accomplished, ace, adept, consummate, crack, experienced, practiced, seasoned, veteran, virtuoso, all-around, protean, versatile

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Eligible

Words with the opposite meaning of Eligible:

disqualified, ineligible, inapt, incapable, incompetent, inept, inexpert, unable, unfit, unfitted, unqualified, unskilled, unskillful, ineffective, ineffectual, inefficient

Word Forms of Eligible

Inflections: eligibles

Derived words: eligibly (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Eligible

Middle English, from Late Latin eligibilis, from Latin eligere to choose elect

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Eligible

Words & Phrases Containing Eligible

eligible bachelor, reeligible

Frequently Asked Questions about Eligible

What does "Eligible" mean?

"Eligible" means qualified to participate or be chosen. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: qualified to participate or be chosen.

What is another word for "Eligible"?

Other words for "Eligible" include able, capable, competent, expert, fit, qualified, skilled and skillful. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Eligible" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Eligible"?

There are 26 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Eligible". Common alternatives include able, capable, competent, expert, fit, qualified, skilled, skillful, ultracompetent and prepared.

What is the opposite of "Eligible"?

Antonyms of "Eligible" include disqualified, ineligible, inapt, incapable, incompetent, inept, inexpert and unable.

Is "Eligible" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Eligible" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Eligible" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Eligible" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Eligible"?

"Eligible" is pronounced /ˈe-lə-jə-bəl/ and divided into syllables as el·i·gi·ble.

What is the origin of the word "Eligible"?

"Eligible" comes from Middle English, from Late Latin eligibilis, from Latin eligere to choose elect. First known use: 15th century.