# eligible

/ˈɛɫədʒəbəɫ/ (US) · /ˈɛlɪdʒəbəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/eligible
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. meeting requirements

adjective · CEFR B2

having the right qualifications or meeting the rules to participate in something.

For teachers: meeting the stipulated requirements or conditions to participate in a programme, hold a position, or receive a benefit.

- You are eligible for a student discount if you show your university ID.
- Only citizens who have resided in the country for at least five years are eligible to apply for this specific category of government grant.

Usage: Commonly followed by the preposition 'for' plus a noun, or 'to' plus an infinitive verb.

### 2. desirable for marriage

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

considered to be a good choice for a husband or wife because of wealth, status, or personality.

For teachers: regarded as a desirable or suitable candidate for marriage, typically due to social standing, wealth, or personal attributes.

- In the old novel, he was described as the most eligible bachelor in the city.
- The local aristocracy viewed the young count as a highly eligible match for their daughters, given his vast estates and impeccable reputation.

### 3. a qualified person

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

a person who meets the requirements for something.

For teachers: an individual who satisfies the necessary conditions or criteria for a specific status or benefit.

- The department sent a letter to all eligibles explaining how to claim their benefits.
- The agency maintained a comprehensive list of eligibles who had passed the initial screening process for the overseas assignment.

Usage: Usually appears in administrative or legal contexts, often in the plural.

## Examples

- You are eligible to apply for a scholarship.
- Only residents who have lived in the city for over a year are eligible to vote in the local election.
- While the candidate met the age requirement, he was not yet eligible for the senior pension because he had not contributed to the national insurance fund for the minimum number of years.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.