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 disqualified Habba from participating in ongoing cases. —Joey Garrison, USA Today, 8 Dec. 2025

Former Crimson Tide running back Damien Harris argued on CBS Sports that Alabama's three-touchdown loss was disqualifying. —Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025

RuPaul's Drag Race season 18 star Discord Addams clarifies to EW the truth behind a claim that she was disqualified from the show. —Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Dec. 2025

Further investigation found that the man had been disqualified from driving since September 2021, after failing to complete the proper exams. —Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 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