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 of qualified

• suitable
• competent
• capable
• good
• expert
• able

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

Tarkanian’s last four 49er teams qualified for the NCAA Tournament and his 1971 team came within inches of the Final Four, losing to UCLA, 57-55. —Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026

Hughton had access to a database, provided by analysts, that documented all the Ghanaian-qualified footballers playing abroad. —Simon Hughes, New York Times, 17 June 2026

Per a separate Wilken order issued last September, the House qualified settlement fund (QSF) may distribute payments directly to third-party claim purchasers for transactions that have occurred before the appellate process has been exhausted. —Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 17 June 2026

Residents, regardless of race, who experienced discrimination due to the city’s policies or practices after 1969 also qualified. —Safiyah Riddle, Fortune, 17 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1558, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing qualified

• pre-qualified
• qualified immunity

Rhymes for qualified

• actinide
• aldehyde
• alkoxide
• alongside
• amplified
• arsenide
• beautified
• biocide
• bisulphide
• butoxide
• calcified
• ceramide

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