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

Before disqualifying an applicant based on a conviction, employers must complete and document an individualized assessment. — Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Both rulings disqualified him from running for the ⁠State Duma, the lower house of parliament, in September elections, said his statement, issued Sunday. — Reuters, NBC news, 20 July 2026

The two parties then still have the ability to disqualify that selection without cause. — Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026

Because summer-league games allow 10 personal fouls before a player is disqualified, that brand of physical basketball can bother young players. — Eric Nehm, New York Times, 19 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1701, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for disqualify

• acidify
• alveoli
• antinomy
• areolae
• demystify
• detoxify
• diversify
• electrify
• exemplify
• fasciculi
• identify
• indemnify

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