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

• capability
• expertise
• ability
• stuff
• credentials
• 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

In one corner, a skeleton hangs from a frame; sports science is one of the qualifications delivered here. —George Caulkin, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025

How to Watch Turkey vs Georgia Turkey hosts Georgia on Tuesday in what promises to be a straight shootout for second place in UEFA Group E on the road to World Cup qualification. —Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025

Each winner got $1,000 in cash and an Academy Awards qualification for best live action short film and best documentary short, respectively. —Angelique Jackson, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025

The work is high-stress and high-stakes, with a rigorous application and qualification process before candidates can step through the door. —Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1538, 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)