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

Esteban Ocon has been disqualified from the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying session after his Haas Formula One car failed post-qualifying rear wing inspections. —Lydia Mee, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Sep. 2025

The targeting penalty was upheld upon review, and Perry was disqualified. —Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 20 Sep. 2025

Chances are, though, that some online accounts, including some on OnlyFans, will be disqualified. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025

Khelif was previously disqualified from the IBA for failing a gender eligibility test. —Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 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