eligible

UK: /ˈɛlɪdʒɪb^əl/ US: /ˈɛlɪdʒəbəl/ ,(el′i jə bəl)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

el•i•gi•ble /ˈɛlɪdʒəbəl/   adj. 

1. being a proper or worthy choice; suitable:
   an eligible mate.
2. meeting the stipulated requirements;
   qualified: [be + ~ + to + verb]
   Anyone over 21 is eligible to play this game.

el•i•gi•bil•i•ty /ˌɛlɪdʒəˈbɪlɪti/  n. [uncountable]  
el•i•gi•bly /ˈɛlɪdʒəbli/  adv. See -lec-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

el•i•gi•ble  (el′i jə bəl), adj. 

1. fit or proper to be chosen;
   worthy of choice;
   desirable:
   to marry an eligible bachelor.
2. meeting the stipulated requirements, as to participate, compete, or work;
   qualified.
3. Government legally qualified to be elected or appointed to office:
   eligible for the presidency.

n. 

4. a person or thing that is eligible:
   Among the eligibles, only a few are running for office.

• Late Latin ēligibilis, equivalent. to Latin ē- e- + ligi- select + -bilis; see -ible
• Middle French)
• (1555–65

el′i•gi•bil′i•ty, el′i•gi•ble•ness, n. 
el′i•gi•bly, adv. 
Synonyms

• 1. suitable, fitting.

Antonyms

• 1. ineligible, unsuitable, unacceptable.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

eligible / ˈɛlɪdʒəb^əl/ adjective

1. fit, worthy, or qualified, as for an office or function
2. desirable and worthy of being chosen, esp as a spouse: an eligible young man

Etymology: 15th Century: from Late Latin ēligibilis able to be chosen, from ēligere to elect

ˌeligiˈbility noun

ˈeligibly adverb