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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There's apprehension about potential scenarios where the overqualified candidate could disrupt team dynamics, challenge existing processes or ultimately seek to advance beyond their current role. Jack Kelly, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024 However, grads might have better luck pivoting into trade jobs and making peace with being overqualified and in debt than pining for the dream corporate job. Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 9 July 2025 Also more staff who are way overqualified to have these jobs. Whitney Friedlander, Vulture, 27 June 2025 That’s left a glut of overqualified workers competing for jobs that otherwise might have gone to recent graduates. Ben Kesslen, Quartz, 8 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for overqualified

Word History

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overqualified was in 1953

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Cite this Entry

“Overqualified.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overqualified. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.

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