qualification

noun

qual·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌkwä-lə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: a restriction in meaning or application : a limiting modification

this statement stands without qualification

2

a

obsolete : nature

b

archaic : characteristic

3

a

: a quality or skill that fits a person (as for an office)

the applicant with the best qualifications

b

: a condition or standard that must be complied with (as for the attainment of a privilege)

a qualification for membership

Synonyms of qualification

• capability
• expertise
• ability
• credentials
• stuff
• talent
• goods

Examples of qualification in a Sentence

She is finishing up her qualification in marketing.

He is studying for his teaching qualification.

Students working towards their qualifications.

Recent Examples on the Web

Check your credit card debt relief qualifications online today. —CBS News, 25 Nov. 2025

The qualification threshold for those 20-percent-off savings is completely dropped. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 25 Nov. 2025

Her eldest son, Carmine Gotti Agnello, 39 (with ex-husband Carmine Agnello), has met the medical qualifications to become her donor. —Sue Carswell, PEOPLE, 25 Nov. 2025

But the Danish administrators imported people from western Greenland to occupy the highest positions after their own, and the Ammassalik Inuits, lacking any formal qualifications, were given menial, practically interchangeable roles. —Ben Taub, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1529, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing qualification

• paper qualification
• pre-qualification

Rhymes for qualification

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

qualification

noun

qual·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌkwäl-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act or an instance of qualifying

2

: the state of being qualified

3

a

: a special skill, knowledge, or ability that fits a person for a particular work or position

b

: a condition that must be met (as to gain a privilege)