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

This will be his fourth full season, following Aston Villa’s most successful, which ended with a second Champions League qualification within three years and, most gloriously, Europa League triumph. — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026

Reddington challenged Tufts on her qualifications and experience, her use of telemedicine, her many prescriptions and her notes. — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026

For Hubei’s crew, however, passing the qualification assessment is not the end of the training cycle. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 11 Aug. 2026

Lawmakers did not develop a framework telling employers how to weigh credit history against other qualifications. — Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

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)