eligible
gb/ˈɛlɪd͡ʒəbəl/ us/ˈɛlɪd͡ʒəbəl/
B1
English
~ 2600
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
property
1
Meeting the requirements for selection
Able to be chosen or to get something because you meet the rules or requirements.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is eligible for [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'eligible' with 'available'. 'Eligible' means meeting certain requirements, not just being free or present.
Synonyms
qualified (Emphasizes having the skills or credentials needed for a role or benefit.)
|
entitled (Focuses on having a legal or official right to something.)
Antonyms
ineligible (Direct opposite, meaning not meeting the requirements to be chosen or receive something.)
|
unqualified (Lacking the necessary skills, credentials, or requirements.)
Collocations
eligible voter
|eligible candidate
|eligible for benefits
|eligible to apply
|eligible participants
Themes
law
|education
|employment
|core_vocabulary
|business
Examples
- Only citizens over 18 are eligible to vote in the election.
- She is eligible for a scholarship based on her grades.
- Applicants must be eligible to work in the country.
- The program is open to all eligible students.
- You will be eligible for a promotion after one year.
Learner examples
- I am eligible to join the club.
- He is eligible for free school meals.
- She is eligible to apply for the job.
- They are eligible for the prize.
- You are eligible to enter the competition.
Grammar
Dictionary form
eligible
IPA
GB/ˈɛlɪd͡ʒəbəl/
US/ˈɛlɪd͡ʒəbəl/
Syllables & stress
eli - gible (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (eli)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: eligible
Word family
Core family
eligibility
noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
ineligible
adjective
ineligibility
noun
Expressions
eligible candidate
1/ˈɛlɪd͡ʒəbəl kˈændɪdeɪt/
fixed phrase
Qualified person for a role or award
A person who can be chosen for a job, prize, or role because they meet all the rules.
Examples
- She is an eligible candidate for the scholarship.
- Only eligible candidates will be interviewed.
eligible for benefits
1/ˈɛlɪd͡ʒəbəl fɚ bˈɛnəfɪts/
fixed phrase
Meeting requirements for benefits
Able to get financial help or services because you meet the rules.
Examples
- Low-income families may be eligible for benefits.
- You will be eligible for benefits after six months of employment.
eligible to vote
1/ˈɛlɪd͡ʒəbəl tə vˈoʊt/
fixed phrase
Having the right to vote
Allowed by law to vote in an election because you meet all the rules.
Examples
- All citizens over 18 are eligible to vote in national elections.
- You must register before you are eligible to vote.