Eligible Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of ELIGIBLE

1

:

able to be chosen for something

:

able to do or receive something

• I'd like to join but I'm not eligible yet.
• eligible voters

— often followed by to + verb

• She is eligible to be (elected) president.
• He won't be eligible to retire until next year.

— often + for

• He's eligible for health insurance through his employer.
• eligible for a loan

2

[more eligible; most eligible]

:

suitable and desirable for marriage

• He's an eligible bachelor. [=an unmarried man who would make a good husband]

— eligibility

/ˌɛləjəˈbɪləti/

noun

[noncount]

• eligibility for a loan