disqualify

verb

dis·​qual·​i·​fy (ˌ)dis-ˈkwä-lə-ˌfī How to pronounce disqualify (audio)
disqualified; disqualifying; disqualifies

transitive verb

1
: to deprive of the required qualities, properties, or conditions : make unfit
2
: to deprive of a power, right, or privilege
3
: to make ineligible for a prize or for further competition because of violations of the rules

Examples of disqualify in a Sentence

His poor eyesight disqualified him from becoming a pilot.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Caroline Kennedy said that her cousin's views on vaccines are enough to disqualify him from the position. Gabe Whisnant, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025 Kennedy said in the letter that her cousin’s views on vaccines are disqualifying. Amanda Seitz and Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2025 Authorities noted that Barber’s criminal history, which includes state felony convictions on firearm, robbery, drug and escape offenses, disqualifies him from having a gun or ammunition. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 23 Jan. 2025 The technology is frequently used in the moviemaking process for tasks such as dubbing or color correction and is not grounds for disqualifying a film from Academy Award nomination. Russell Leung, CNBC, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for disqualify 

Word History

First Known Use

1701, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of disqualify was in 1701

Dictionary Entries Near disqualify

Cite this Entry

“Disqualify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disqualify. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

disqualify

verb
dis·​qual·​i·​fy (ˈ)dis-ˈkwäl-ə-ˌfī How to pronounce disqualify (audio)
disqualified; disqualifying
: to make or declare unfit or not qualified

Legal Definition

disqualify

transitive verb
dis·​qual·​i·​fy dis-ˈkwä-lə-ˌfī How to pronounce disqualify (audio)
disqualified; disqualifying
1
: to deprive of the required qualities, properties, or conditions
a financial interest in the case that disqualified the judge
2
: to deprive of a right or privilege especially after a hearing
misconduct that disqualified the employee from receiving unemployment benefits

More from Merriam-Webster on disqualify

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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