overqualified

adjective

over·​qual·​i·​fied ˌō-vər-ˈkwä-lə-ˌfīd 

: 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

Both Joy Division and New Order are ridiculously overqualified for the Hall of Fame as individual units — two of the most influential bands of the past 50 years. —Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2025

His comments reflect a broader concern echoed in Monster's 2024 State of the Graduate Report, which found that many Gen Z graduates feel overqualified for entry-level jobs and are holding out for roles that align with their values and expectations. —Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025

Most graduates feel confident their skills match those required for entry-level roles, and 20% reported feeling overqualified for an entry-level position. —Rachel Barber, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025

The majority feel optimistic about landing a job after graduation, but a surprising number feel overqualified for the jobs being offered. —Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overqualified

• acetaldehyde
• acetanilide
• arabinoside
• cycloheximide
• cyclophosphamide
• diethylamide
• dinucleotide
• ferricyanide
• ferrocyanide
• glutaraldehyde
• glyceraldehyde
• hydroperoxide