qualified

1 of 2

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

qualified

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of qualify

Synonyms of qualified

Adjective

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

Examples of qualified in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

And so the world’s least qualified transportation team rolls up to Sheridan’s parents’ mansion in Mark’s beat-up red sedan, completely unprepared for the ride of their lives. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 26 Aug. 2026

Nine players — 43 percent of qualified hitters — have homered, with Denae Benites of the Heights and Kelsie Whitmore of the Firebells each connecting for eight in 10 games. — Emily Ohman, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

That’s the start date of the 60-day period before the election in which broadcasters must offer the lowest ad rates to qualified candidates. — Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026

Republicans fielded several well-qualified candidates including Jay Collins, the sitting lieutenant governor. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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