qualified

1 of 2

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

qualified

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of qualify

Synonyms of qualified

Adjective

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

Examples of qualified in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

Write-in candidate Patricia Gonzalez and no-party candidate Andy Daro had also qualified for the general election. — Sergio Candido, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026

With a budget of $10 million, the program will allow a 35% to 50% credit on qualified expenses related specifically to post-production work done in California, even for productions that don’t shoot in the state. — Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026

Individuals should consult their qualified tax professional and attorney regarding their specific circumstances before making tax or legal decisions. — Jp Shaffer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2026

Income-qualified residents affected by the Aliso leak are eligible for up to $31,800 worth of incentives to cover the cost of electric installations in their homes. — ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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