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

Bonzi threatened to walk off the court at one point and called for the Russian to be disqualified. —Ben Morse, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2025

But legal analysts say that Pirro’s comments in her deposition show a level of partisanship and willingness to mislead the public that should disqualify her from holding such a top position at DOJ. —Josh Meyer, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2025

Rather than plummeting in the polls, or being disqualified, Mel's campaign saw a surge in support after his death. —Meredith Kile, People.com, 23 Aug. 2025

Officials noted that his criminal history includes convictions on state level assault, burglary, and larceny charges, which disqualify him from having a firearm. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 21 Aug. 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