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

Wagering on such a race could disqualify a ballot, or even result in a referral to state prosecutors, according to the commission's statement. — Bobby Allyn, NPR, 27 July 2026

The initiative explicitly disqualifies proxy signals, such as skin temperature, from the SPRIND Continuous Hormone Monitoring Challenge. — Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

With winning favorite Lady In Paris disqualified from her win in the finale of Saturday’s 11-race card, costing a the track a Pick Six carryover, only one favorite won. — Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2026

Beard notes that the Greeks thought a proper voice was deep, and women’s higher voices disqualified them from public life. — Literary Hub, 23 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