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
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
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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
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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