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
Many people, however, are rejecting the message that skin color, language, or national origin disqualifies someone from being their neighbor.
—
Julie Beck, The Atlantic, 31 Jan. 2026
After initially qualifying for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, she was later disqualified after testing positive for THC during a post-race drug test.
—David Matthews, New York Daily News, 30 Jan. 2026
People with misdemeanors, including false ID as a police officer, are disqualified from obtaining a license for 10 years, according to state rules.
—Tracey McManus, Dallas Morning News, 29 Jan. 2026
Persons who tamper with or abuse any aspect of the Sweepstakes or website, who act in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner or who are in violation of these Official Rules, as solely determined by Sponsor, will be disqualified and all associated entries will be void.
—AJC.com, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for disqualify
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Julie Beck, The Atlantic, 31 Jan. 2026
After initially qualifying for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, she was later disqualified after testing positive for THC during a post-race drug test.
—David Matthews, New York Daily News, 30 Jan. 2026
People with misdemeanors, including false ID as a police officer, are disqualified from obtaining a license for 10 years, according to state rules.
—Tracey McManus, Dallas Morning News, 29 Jan. 2026
Persons who tamper with or abuse any aspect of the Sweepstakes or website, who act in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner or who are in violation of these Official Rules, as solely determined by Sponsor, will be disqualified and all associated entries will be void.
—AJC.com, 29 Jan. 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 5 Feb. 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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