ineligible for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ineligible for" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something or someone who does not meet the requirements or is not qualified for a particular opportunity or benefit. Example: The candidate was deemed ineligible for the scholarship due to her low grades. Example: The new policy states that employees who have been employed for less than a year are ineligible for paid vacation time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He remains ineligible for baseball's Hall of Fame.

The New York Times - Sports

(Members are ineligible for the awards).

The New York Times

This made her ineligible for the prize.

The New York Times

They are ineligible for university services.

University of California, Berkeley

Most of the young recruits are ineligible for this scheme.

The Guardian

Tamayo was ineligible for the 2004 and 2008 Olympic teams.

The New York Times - Sports

Unmarried heterosexual partners of employees will remain ineligible for benefits.

The New York Times

Clemens doesn't figure to become ineligible for the Hall.

The New York Times - Sports

Out-of-state wineries are ineligible for licenses.

The New York Times - Food

Albrighton would have been ineligible for Thursday's game.

The Guardian - Sport

Is he forever ineligible for a US visa?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ineligible for", clearly state the reason for ineligibility to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, "The application was rejected because the candidate was "ineligible for" the program due to missing the deadline."

Common error

Avoid using "ineligible for" when you mean someone simply lacks interest. "Ineligible" implies a lack of qualification, not a lack of desire. Instead of saying, "She's ineligible for the job," when she simply doesn't want it, try, "She's uninterested in the job."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ineligible for" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that the noun or pronoun does not meet the required conditions for something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

28%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ineligible for" is a common and grammatically correct way to express disqualification or the failure to meet specific requirements for something, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Appearing frequently in contexts such as news, academia, and science, the phrase clearly indicates that someone or something does not qualify for a particular opportunity or benefit. For alternative expressions, consider using phrases like "disqualified from" or "not qualified for". Remember to specify the reason for ineligibility to provide context, and avoid confusing it with a lack of interest. By following these guidelines, you can confidently and accurately use "ineligible for" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Disqualified from

Focuses on the act of being formally prevented or barred from something.

Not qualified for

Emphasizes a lack of the necessary skills or requirements.

Excluded from

Highlights being left out or prevented from participating.

Unfit for

Suggests a lack of suitability or preparedness.

Deemed unsuitable for

Implies a judgment or assessment leading to the ineligibility.

Precluded from

Indicates that something makes it impossible to be eligible.

Not entitled to

Focuses on lacking the right or claim to something.

Barred from

Suggests a prohibition or legal restriction.

Incapacitated for

Highlights a lack of ability or power to be eligible.

Restricted from

Implies a limitation that prevents eligibility.

FAQs

How do I use "ineligible for" in a sentence?

Use "ineligible for" to describe someone or something that does not meet the necessary requirements or qualifications for a particular opportunity or benefit. For example, "Because he didn't meet the age requirement, he was "ineligible for" the competition".

What are some alternatives to saying "ineligible for"?

You can use alternatives such as "disqualified from", "not qualified for", or "excluded from" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say someone is "ineligible to" instead of "ineligible for"?

While "ineligible for" is more common and generally preferred, "ineligible to" can be used in some contexts, though it's less frequent. It's best to check the specific context and consider which sounds more natural and grammatically appropriate.

What makes something or someone "ineligible for" something?

Something or someone becomes "ineligible for" a particular benefit, program, or opportunity when they fail to meet specific criteria or requirements. These criteria could include age, qualifications, residency, or other factors that determine eligibility.