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

McLaren saw drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri get disqualified after placing second and fourth in the Vegas Grand Prix because officials found both cars had technical infringements. —Diane Brady, Fortune, 24 Nov. 2025

His mustache alone should have disqualified him for private service. —Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 23 Nov. 2025

Alisha Palmowski was disqualified after an incorrect Belleville stack configuration was found on her car, in violation of the car regulations. —Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 23 Nov. 2025

And for a team that has not earned the benefit of the doubt this season, such a loss would be disqualifying. —Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 22 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