eligibility
el-ih-juh-BIL-ih-tee
/ˌɛlɪdʒəˈbɪlɪti/
The state of having the right to do or obtain something through satisfaction of the appropriate conditions.
In sports, this often refers to whether an athlete is allowed to play based on amateur status or academic grades.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'eligere', meaning 'to pick out' or 'to choose'. If you are eligible, you are in the pool of people who are 'choosable' for the task.
Word relationships
- qualification: Focuses on the skills or certificates required.
- suitability: Focuses on how well someone fits a role, rather than legal right.
- ineligibility: The state of being disqualified or not allowed.
Commonly confused with
- legality: Legality is about the law; eligibility is about the specific rules of a competition.
Word family
- eligible (adjective): Having the right to do or obtain something.
Collocations
- eligibility requirements
- academic eligibility
- restore eligibility
Example sentences
- "The player lost his eligibility after it was discovered he had accepted money from a booster." College sports rules.
- "Check the eligibility criteria before applying for the tournament." General requirements.
Memory hook
If you are ELIGIBLE, you can be ELECTED to play. Able to be chosen.
When not to use
Don't use for 'availability'; just because someone is eligible doesn't mean they are free to play.
Fun facts
- The words 'elect' and 'elegant' both come from the same root 'legere'—meaning to choose carefully.
Explore more words
qualify, admissible, certification, qualified, championship, make the grade
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