disqualify

verb

dis·​qual·​i·​fy (ˌ)dis-ˈkwä-lə-ˌfī 

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

Any deforestation found on that plot disqualifies everything from it, automatically. — Maria Brozman, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026

Last year, several Department of Homeland Security officials told NBC News some of the ICE recruits had failed to meet the standards for hire, including having disqualifying criminal backgrounds or lacking physical or academic requirements. — Suzanne Gamboa, NBC news, 3 Nov. 2026

Netanyahu’s party was among those that petitioned to disqualify Ra’am from running. — Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026

With Wright disqualified, Tamarac’s city website is informing voters that the election is off and Gelin is the winner. — Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1701, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for disqualify

• acidify
• alveoli
• antinomy
• areolae
• demystify
• detoxify
• diversify
• electrify
• exemplify
• fasciculi
• identify
• indemnify

Kids Definition

disqualify

verb

dis·​qual·​i·​fy (ˈ)dis-ˈkwäl-ə-ˌfī 

disqualified; disqualifying

: to make or declare unfit or not qualified

Legal Definition

disqualify

transitive verb

dis·​qual·​i·​fy dis-ˈkwä-lə-ˌfī 

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