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

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

Should social media posts disqualify New York’s attorney general from leading a criminal investigation into gang rape allegations at Cornell University? — Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Andrew Miltenberg, a lawyer for Cornell student Gillio Lopes, filed a petition October 7 arguing those comments should disqualify James from leading a criminal investigation. — Kara Scannell, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2026

And critics say tougher error penalties from Washington have led states to unfairly disqualify many SNAP applicants. — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 28 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