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

The latter’s supporters pointed to the fact that the Scottish queen was a Catholic and was technically disqualified by the terms of Henry VIII’s will, which stated very clearly that his Stuart relatives should never inherit the crown of England. —Literary Hub, 4 Nov. 2025

Voting for these candidates will not disqualify ballots, but votes cast for those candidates will not be counted, said Sherry Poland, executive director of the Hamilton County Board of Elections. —Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 Nov. 2025

The commission also disqualified the candidate for opposition party ACT-Wazalendo, leaving only minor parties to take on Hassan. —Reuters 10 Hr Ago, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025

Homosexuality is also disqualifying. —Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 30 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1701, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for disqualify

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

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