— eligibility, eligibleness , n. — eligibly , adv.
/el"i jeuh beuhl/ , adj.
1. fit or proper to be chosen; worthy of choice; desirable: to marry an eligible bachelor.
2. meeting the stipulated requirements, as to participate, compete, or work; qualified.
3. legally qualified to be elected or appointed to office: eligible for the presidency.
n.
4. a person or thing that is eligible: Among the eligibles, only a few are running for office.
[ 1555-65; ( eligibilis, equiv. to L e- E- + ligi- select + -bilis; see -IBLE ]
Syn. 1. suitable, fitting.
Ant. 1. ineligible, unsuitable, unacceptable.