qualified

adjective

qual·​i·​fied ˈkwä-lə-ˌfīd 

1

a

: fitted (as by training or experience) for a given purpose : competent

b

: having complied with the specific requirements or precedent conditions (as for an office or employment) : eligible

2

: limited or modified in some way

qualified approval

qualifiedly

ˈkwä-lə-ˌfī(-ə)d-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• suitable
• competent
• capable
• expert
• good
• able
• experienced

Examples of qualified in a Sentence

She is highly qualified for the job.

I'm not qualified to give you advice about what you should do.

She gave a qualified yes to the question.

The plan was given qualified approval.

Recent Examples on the Web

According to the report, research has shown that in some instances, job seekers have used AI tools to cheat to appear more qualified, particularly in fields such as software engineering. —Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025

Based on the unique task it has been given, Accio Agent pores over available suppliers, then provides a list of qualified suppliers for each subset of the task it has been given. —Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 14 Aug. 2025

This summer, the Panthers qualified for the 7-on-7 tournament in College Station and made it to the round of 16 in Division I before losing to Katy Jordan. —Cody Thorn, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Aug. 2025

White qualified for the Olympics in 1956, 1960, 1964, 1968 and 1972. —Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1558, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing qualified

• pre-qualified
• qualified immunity

Rhymes for qualified

• actinide
• aldehyde
• alkoxide
• alongside
• amplified
• arsenide
• beautified
• biocide
• butoxide
• calcified
• ceramide
• certified

Kids Definition

qualified

adjective

qual·​i·​fied ˈkwäl-ə-ˌfīd 

1

: having the necessary qualifications : fitted

2

: limited in some way

a qualified yes to the question

Legal Definition

qualified

adjective

qual·​i·​fied ˈkwä-lə-ˌfīd 

1

: fitted (as by training or experience) for a given purpose or condition

2

a

: being in compliance or accordance with specific requirements or conditions

a qualified voter

b

: eligible under applicable requirements for favorable tax treatment (as exemption of funds from taxation until retirement)

a qualified pension plan

3

: limited or modified in some way : less than absolute

qualifiedly

-ˌfī-əd-lē, -ˌfīd-lē 

adverb