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

For both the European and intercontinental routes, the remaining teams have been sorted into single-elimination brackets that will determine qualification. —José Sánchez Córdova, Dallas Morning News, 23 Mar. 2026

Kagan and Barrett both pressed Sauer and Paul Clement, who argued on behalf of the RNC, about whether a decision in favor of the GOP would require election officials to complete other tasks on Election Day, such as adjudicating voters' qualifications. —Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 23 Mar. 2026

Scammers often combine high income with zero qualifications. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 Mar. 2026

The win lifted Stuttgart to third with seven rounds remaining, well placed to finish among the top four for Champions League qualification. —ABC News, 22 Mar. 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)