qualification

noun

qual·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌkwä-lə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce qualification (audio)
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

Example Sentences

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 But the pair of above qualifications are no guarantee. Michael Shapiro, Chron, 17 May 2023 On Monday, the Gulls were awarded the top seed in the NCAA Bridgewater Regional, joining Tufts, Wheaton, and Bridgewater State as Massachusetts teams selected for the Division 3 tournament via automatic qualification. Matt Doherty, BostonGlobe.com, 15 May 2023 Starting late June 2023: Overall launch system qualification review. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 12 May 2023 The second case, Ciminelli v. United States, No. 21-1170, concerned what prosecutors said was a conspiracy to commit wire fraud by tailoring requests for proposals for work on the Buffalo development to include qualifications that would ensure the contracts would go to Mr. Ciminelli’s firm. Luis Ferré-sadurní, New York Times, 11 May 2023 Players must have a handicap index of 2.4 or below, or be a professional, to attempt qualification. Jack Bantock, CNN, 10 May 2023 The Pistons are desperate for a defensive identity and that is a big qualification for what general manager Troy Weaver is looking for in the franchise's next head coach. Marlowe Alter, Detroit Free Press, 9 May 2023 Kilicdaroglu has assumed a professorial air in explaining his economic plans — another attempt to contrast his qualifications with those of Erdogan, whose unorthodox economic views are widely blamed for driving double-digit inflation. Kareem Fahim, Washington Post, 7 May 2023 The fight to finish in the Champions League qualification positions is far from over, too, after David De Gea's latest mistake in another away loss for Manchester United. Steve Douglas, ajc, 7 May 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'qualification.' 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

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of qualification was in 1538

Dictionary Entries Near qualification

Cite this Entry

“Qualification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/qualification. Accessed 4 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

qualification

noun
qual·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌkwäl-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce qualification (audio)
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)

More from Merriam-Webster on qualification

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