disqualify

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verb dis·qual·i·fy \(ˌ)dis-ˈkwä-lə-ˌfī\

Definition of disqualify

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

See disqualify defined for English-language learners

See disqualify defined for kids

Examples of disqualify in a Sentence

His poor eyesight disqualified him from becoming a pilot.

Recent Examples of disqualify from the Web

Chronic offenders could be disqualified from seeking future city contracts.

— david garrick, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Persistent gender wage gap prompts San Diego to explore equal pay law," 18 July 2017
On Friday, four more legislators were disqualified over their oath-taking ceremonies following a number of judicial complaints lodged by private citizens, including a pro-Beijing taxi association member.

— chicagotribune.com, "The long arm of China's law is coming down heavy on Hong Kong," 17 July 2017
West Coast Conference champion Peter Kuest Jr. of BYU was disqualified for mistakenly signing a scorecard that was one stroke lower than his actual score.

— craig smith, The Seattle Times, "Pepperdine’s Sahith Theegala wins Sahalee Players Championship in a playoff," 7 July 2017
That's why lip-synching at live concerts is still controversial and why athletes are disqualified for secretly using drugs or other performance enhancements.

— david pogue, Scientific American, "Should Artists Reveal How Much They Let Technology Make Creative Choices?," 3 July 2017
The program criteria will also disqualify applicants who have participated in other city beautification programs in the last five years unless the damage at their home presents a significant safety issue.

— lance dixon, miamiherald, "With looming cuts to federal aid, North Miami introduces new home improvement program," 29 June 2017
Judge Megan Shanahan, who presided over the first trial, disqualified herself from presiding over the retrial saying the retrial needed a clean slate.

— cincinnati enquirer, Cincinnati.com, "Key decisions in the Ray Tensing retrial," 23 June 2017
The Planned Parenthood measure, which mirrors a provision in the House version of the bill, would disqualify the network of women’s health clinics from receiving federal Medicaid funding,...

— michelle hackman, WSJ, "Planned Parenthood Restriction Could Pose Problem for Centrist Senators," 22 June 2017
That alone should not disqualify them from government service.

— john kass, chicagotribune.com, "Bernie Sanders, the Left, Christianity and the Constitution," 21 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'disqualify.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of disqualify

1701

DISQUALIFY Defined for English Language Learners

disqualify

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verb

Definition of disqualify for English Language Learners

: to stop or prevent (someone) from doing, having, or being a part of something

DISQUALIFY Defined for Kids

disqualify

play

verb dis·qual·i·fy \dis-ˈkwä-lə-ˌfī\

Definition of disqualify for Students

disqualified

;

disqualifying

: to make or declare not fit to have, do, or take part in The judges disqualified the runner from the race.

Law Dictionary

disqualify

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transitive verb dis·qual·i·fy \dis-ˈkwä-lə-ˌfī\

Legal Definition of disqualify

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