adjective

eligible

EL-ih-juh-buhl/ˈelɪdʒəbl/

Qualified or considered suitable for an opportunity or relationship.

The eligible athlete presents her qualification card before entering the race.

A South Asian athlete shows a blank accepted qualification card before entering a race.

Etymology

eLatinout

+ligLatinto choose

+ibleLatincapable of being

The pieces express being capable of being “chosen out.” Eligibility concerns whether someone or something meets the conditions for selection, rather than whether selection actually happens.

In context

Shankar IAS Academy8:55

among the schoolchildren only those who have finished eighth standard and currently studying in ninth standard will be eligible for the program

The Hindu Daily News Analysis | 12th March 2020 | UPSC Current Affairs | Prelims - Mains 2020

More examples

Only residents are eligible for the discount.
She became eligible to apply last month.
Several eligible candidates declined the offer.

Forms

eligible

Similar words

qualified: Emphasizes meeting requirements rather than being permitted to participate.
suitable: Suitable can mean a good fit without satisfying formal eligibility rules.