qualified

adjective

qual·​i·​fied ˈkwä-lə-ˌfīd 

1

a

: fitted (as by training or experience) for a given purpose : competent

b

: having complied with the specific requirements or precedent conditions (as for an office or employment) : eligible

2

: limited or modified in some way

qualified approval

qualifiedly

ˈkwä-lə-ˌfī(-ə)d-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• able
• capable
• competent
• equal
• fit
• good
• suitable

Examples of qualified in a Sentence

She is highly qualified for the job.

I'm not qualified to give you advice about what you should do.

She gave a qualified yes to the question.

The plan was given qualified approval.

Recent Examples on the Web

Support In a meeting with the U.S. House of Representatives' select committee on China earlier this week, McCourt and his co-bidder Kevin O'Leary received assurances that lawmakers on both sides of the U.S. political aisle are committed to ensuring a qualified divestiture. —Krystal Hu, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2025

Employee Retention Credit Eligible employers are those that paid qualified wages to some or all employees after March 12, 2020, and before Jan. 1, 2022. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2025

Mount Washington also employs licensed morticians who can remediate gravesites — something that Hunter, a lawyer by trade, isn’t qualified to do. —Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 25 Jan. 2025

This fall, Payne moved from linebacker to the defensive line, putting up good numbers with 28 tackles, nine hurries, 2 1/2 sacks and 11 tackles for loss as the Warriors qualified for the playoffs. —Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 25 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1558, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing qualified

• pre-qualified
• qualified immunity

Kids Definition

qualified

adjective

qual·​i·​fied ˈkwäl-ə-ˌfīd 

1

: having the necessary qualifications : fitted

2

: limited in some way

a qualified yes to the question

Legal Definition

qualified

adjective

qual·​i·​fied ˈkwä-lə-ˌfīd 

1

: fitted (as by training or experience) for a given purpose or condition

2

a

: being in compliance or accordance with specific requirements or conditions

a qualified voter

b

: eligible under applicable requirements for favorable tax treatment (as exemption of funds from taxation until retirement)

a qualified pension plan

3

: limited or modified in some way : less than absolute

qualifiedly

-ˌfī-əd-lē, -ˌfīd-lē 

adverb