What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ineligible
Example
He was ineligible for the scholarship because he did not meet the academic requirements. [ineligible: adjective]
Example
The team was declared ineligible to compete due to a violation of the rules. [ineligible: adjective]
disqualified
Example
He was disqualified from the race for using performance-enhancing drugs. [disqualified: verb]
Example
The product was disqualified from the competition due to safety concerns. [disqualified: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disqualified is more commonly used than ineligible in everyday language, especially in sports and legal contexts. Ineligible is less common and often used in formal or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ineligible and disqualified?
Ineligible is a more formal term than disqualified, which is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
