English

eligibility

gb/ˌɛlɪd͡ʒəbˈɪlɪti/ us/ˌɛlɪd͡ʒəbˈɪlɪti/
B2 English
~ 4600
Senses
0 senses
Noun formal B2 state
1

qualification to participate

The state of having the right or being allowed to do or get something because you meet the rules.

Usage pattern: eligibility for [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'eligibility' (a state) with 'eligible' (an adjective). For example, saying 'I am an eligibility' instead of 'I am eligible'.
Synonyms
qualification (Often used for skills or achievements needed, while 'eligibility' focuses on meeting set rules or conditions.) | entitlement (Implies a legal or official right, sometimes with a stronger sense of guarantee than 'eligibility'.)
Antonyms
ineligibility (Direct opposite; the state of not meeting the required conditions.) | disqualification (Loss or lack of eligibility, often due to rule violations.)
Collocations
eligibility criteria |eligibility requirements |determine eligibility |eligibility for benefits |eligibility check
Themes
law |education |business |sports |core_vocabulary
Examples
  • Applicants must prove their eligibility for the scholarship.
  • The program has strict eligibility requirements.
  • He was denied eligibility to compete because he missed the registration deadline.
  • We will assess your eligibility for financial aid.
  • Her eligibility for the award was questioned.
Learner examples
  • I checked my eligibility for the job.
  • She meets the eligibility rules for the race.
  • They talked about his eligibility for the class.
  • You need to know the eligibility before you apply.
  • He lost his eligibility because he was late.
Grammar
Dictionary form
eligibility
IPA
GB/ˌɛlɪd͡ʒəbˈɪlɪti/
US/ˌɛlɪd͡ʒəbˈɪlɪti/
Syllables & stress
eli - gib - il - ity (4 syllables)
Stress on 4th syllable (ity)
Word forms
Noun
  • Base: eligibility
  • Plural: eligibilities, eligibility
Word family
Forms
eligibilities noun
Core family
eligible adjective B1
Related words
qualify verb B1 qualification noun B1
Negative and opposite forms
ineligible adjective ineligibility noun
Expressions

determine eligibility

1
/dɪtˈɚmən ˌɛlɪd͡ʒəbˈɪlɪti/
fixed phrase formal

decide if someone qualifies

To decide if someone can do something or get something by checking the rules.

Examples
  • The school will determine eligibility based on grades and attendance.
  • We need more information to determine your eligibility for the service.

eligibility criteria

1
/ˌɛlɪd͡ʒəbˈɪlɪti kɹaɪtˈɪɹiə/
fixed phrase formal

rules for who qualifies

The list of rules that say who can take part in something or get something.

Examples
  • The eligibility criteria for the grant include age and income limits.
  • All applicants must meet the eligibility criteria before being considered.

eligibility requirements

1
/ˌɛlɪd͡ʒəbˈɪlɪti ɹɪkwˈaɪɹmənts/
fixed phrase formal

conditions to qualify

The things you must have or be to be allowed to do something.

Examples
  • Read the eligibility requirements before applying.
  • She did not meet the eligibility requirements for the competition.

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