qualification

noun

qual·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌkwä-lə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: a restriction in meaning or application : a limiting modification

this statement stands without qualification

2

a

obsolete : nature

b

archaic : characteristic

3

a

: a quality or skill that fits a person (as for an office)

the applicant with the best qualifications

b

: a condition or standard that must be complied with (as for the attainment of a privilege)

a qualification for membership

Synonyms of qualification

• capability
• expertise
• ability
• credentials
• stuff
• talent
• goods

Examples of qualification in a Sentence

She is finishing up her qualification in marketing.

He is studying for his teaching qualification.

Students working towards their qualifications.

Recent Examples on the Web

In their quest for Champions League qualification back then, Villa took a bet on Rashford providing an immediate impact, with senior figures stating that his salary — Villa covered 80 per cent of it — was double that of their next highest earner. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Arkansas does not review private school curriculum or the qualifications of the school leaders; anyone is free to open a private school. — Peter Greene, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

One of those challengers, Michael Johnson, sued Mills over his qualification paperwork for the House race, but a state judge threw out the lawsuit. — Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 21 July 2026

Velo3D’s Fremont headquarters will continue to focus on research and development, applications engineering, process development, customer collaboration and qualification. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1529, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing qualification

• paper qualification
• pre-qualification

Rhymes for qualification

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

qualification

noun

qual·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌkwäl-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act or an instance of qualifying

2

: the state of being qualified

3

a

: a special skill, knowledge, or ability that fits a person for a particular work or position

b

: a condition that must be met (as to gain a privilege)