disqualify
verb
dis·qual·i·fy
(ˌ)dis-ˈkwä-lə-ˌfī 
disqualified; disqualifying; disqualifies
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 cardinal perceived to be campaigning overtly on his own behalf was immediately disqualified so the politics were subtle.
—
Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 14 Mar. 2026
Lat month, the judge rejected a defense motion to disqualify the prosecutors handling the case.
—CBS News, 14 Mar. 2026
Since the late 1990s, the council has disqualified a growing number of reformist candidates, many of whom have been at odds with the supreme leader over certain issues.
—Eric Lob, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2026
The public announcement did not provide details on what officials would be specifically looking for in the reviews or what types of content would be deemed disqualifying.
—Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for disqualify
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Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 14 Mar. 2026
Lat month, the judge rejected a defense motion to disqualify the prosecutors handling the case.
—CBS News, 14 Mar. 2026
Since the late 1990s, the council has disqualified a growing number of reformist candidates, many of whom have been at odds with the supreme leader over certain issues.
—Eric Lob, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2026
The public announcement did not provide details on what officials would be specifically looking for in the reviews or what types of content would be deemed disqualifying.
—Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for disqualify
Cite this Entry
“Disqualify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disqualify. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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