Word
eligible
Meanings
meeting the necessary conditions to be chosen for something or to receive something
suitable and legally/officially allowed to be married or in a relationship (not already married or committed)
Definition
Able to be chosen or to receive something because you meet the required conditions.
If you are eligible, you meet the rules or requirements for something, such as a job, a benefit, or a program. The word focuses on whether you satisfy stated criteria, not on whether you will actually be selected. It is often followed by “for” or “to” plus a verb phrase.
Examples
- I wasn’t eligible for the scholarship last year, but my grades now meet the criteria.
- You are eligible to apply once you have completed the required training modules.
- She checked whether she was eligible for the exchange program before submitting her documents.
- They weren’t eligible for the early-bird rate because they registered after the deadline.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse “eligible” with “electable”; “eligible” means meeting requirements, while “electable” means likely to win an election.
More at C1 level
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- xenophobia Xenophobia is a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
- genocide Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular group in order to …
- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More adjectives
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
- pragmatic Pragmatic means focused on practical results rather than ideals or theories.
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- cynical Cynical describes believing that people are mainly motivated by self-interest and not sincere.
- apathetic Apathetic means showing little or no interest, concern, or enthusiasm.