English Reference

Word

eligibility

Phoneticsel·i·gi·bil·i·ty

US/ˌɛɫɪdʒəˈbɪɫɪti/

UK/ˌɛlɪdʒəbˈɪlɪti/

Definition

n. the state of being allowed to do or receive something because you meet the right rules. For example, your age or where you live might decide if you can get a job or a prize.

n. the state of meeting the necessary conditions or requirements to be entitled to something. Often determined by specific criteria such as age, residency, or professional qualifications.

Examples

“The website helps you check your eligibility for a student loan.”

“The committee reviewed each application to confirm the candidate's eligibility before moving to the interview stage.”

“Changes to the national pension scheme have tightened the eligibility criteria, requiring citizens to contribute for more years before they can access full benefits.”

Examples

simple

“The website helps you check your eligibility for a student loan.”

contextual

“The committee reviewed each application to confirm the candidate's eligibility before moving to the interview stage.”

complex

“Changes to the national pension scheme have tightened the eligibility criteria, requiring citizens to contribute for more years before they can access full benefits.”

Usage

Often followed by the preposition 'for' or an infinitive 'to' clause.

Pitfall

check your eligibility of the program

check your eligibility for the program

Eligibility typically takes the preposition 'for' when referring to the thing one is qualified to receive.

Real-World Examples

Common in education and health writing

“Gig work counts toward the requirement, but gig workers who work for multiple platforms may have trouble proving eligibility.”
The Conversation · 7 Aug 2026
“This law converted existing scholarship programs into universal education savings accounts, while at the same time removing income eligibility limits .”
The Conversation · 6 Jul 2026
“This historic shift reversed the NCAA’s long-established policy that making such agreements threatened athletes’ eligibility.”
The Conversation · 5 Aug 2026

Collocations

eligibility criteria

Word family

eligibilityNouneligibleAdjective

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/eligibility

English Reference