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

Brann said she must be disqualified from participating in ongoing cases. —Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 1 Dec. 2025

Brann disqualified Habba from participating in ongoing cases. —Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 1 Dec. 2025

Both Breakker and Reed were disqualified from an opportunity to challenge for the gold when Rollins was forced to vacate due to their actions. —Fernando Quiles Jr, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2025

Trump administration lawyers have argued the ban on transgender troops is no different than other policies disqualifying people from military service over medical conditions that can affect military readiness, such as epilepsy or schizophrenia. —Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 30 Nov. 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