overqualified

adjective

over·​qual·​i·​fied ˌō-vər-ˈkwä-lə-ˌfīd How to pronounce overqualified (audio)
: having more education, training, or experience than a job calls for

Examples of overqualified in a Sentence

They didn't hire her because she was overqualified for the job.
Recent Examples on the Web But these limits mean many people find themselves like Han, the Beijing resident: overqualified, educated, experienced, and struggling to keep themselves afloat with gig work. Berry Wang, CNN, 26 Aug. 2023 The independent film receiving a wide release definitely leans toward the funnier end of the spectrum, with its overqualified cast including many formidable comedic talents. Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Aug. 2023 That offers no improvement on the often cartoonish roles available for overqualified actresses of a certain age. Caryn James, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 July 2023 Hiring managers were more likely to hire overqualified women than overqualified men. Cassie Werber, Quartz, 7 Feb. 2022 Mostly, though, the actors in the overqualified supporting cast come in, attempt to yell or flail or sputter exaggeratedly to keep up with the leads and then depart without justifying their performance. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Apr. 2023 Bringing Lopez aboard likely only works in a specific circumstance, in which Harden is brought back and Sengün becomes an overqualified sixth man. Michael Shapiro, Chron, 20 Apr. 2023 An overqualified worker is likely to be looking for a higher salary than what your company can offer. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 2 May 2022 In an overqualified cast that includes Christopher Walken as Ed’s pal and Jane Seymour as a big-box cashier who becomes his love interest, Thurman comes off best because her character doesn’t get involved in the shenanigans that peak (weirdly early) in a dodgeball game. Chris Hewitt, Star Tribune, 8 Oct. 2020 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overqualified.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overqualified was in 1953

Dictionary Entries Near overqualified

Cite this Entry

“Overqualified.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overqualified. Accessed 23 Sep. 2023.

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