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

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

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

For these reasons, and perhaps in recognition of his wartime service as a spy and recruiter for the British, Mandatory Palestine head Herbert Samuel chose Husseini over other, more qualified candidates. —Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025

The monthly limitation for qualified parking is predicted to increase to $340. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

For reference, Goff finished 20th out of 36 qualified quarterbacks in average time to throw last year. —Austin Mock, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025

In June, Kennedy fired all 17 highly qualified, respected, and thoroughly vetted experts on the panel—the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). —Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 10 Sep. 2025

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
• butoxide
• calcified
• ceramide
• certified

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