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 of qualified

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

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

Playing in all 90 of the Braves’ games, his OPS was 138th of 150 qualified hitters and second to last of 23 qualified third basemen. — Ken Sugiura, AJC.com, 9 July 2026

Upon completion of the quality control process, they were added to DyStar’s qualified supplier pool, which are subject to regular audits, performance assessments and continuous eco-monitoring, based on product specifications and quality history. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 8 July 2026

After visiting your website, could a qualified buyer explain your value proposition in their own words, without talking to anyone on your team? — Suyash Karn, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

However, withdrawing earnings before retirement age may trigger taxes and a 10% penalty unless an exception applies, such as qualified education expenses or a first-time home purchase. — Liz Knueven, CNBC, 7 July 2026

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
• bisulphide
• butoxide
• calcified
• ceramide

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