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

Bonta said his office has sent letters to Bianco's agency over the last two months, echoing Weber's sentiment that his staff was not qualified to conduct a recount and that investigation sows distrust in elections. —Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 25 Mar. 2026

In looking through IMDbPro’s 100 most popular films of 2025, just 26% with production budgets of $100M or more qualified for the ReFrame stamp. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 25 Mar. 2026

As a result, Gaston County Schools qualified for far less low wealth supplemental funding this year than last year. —Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 25 Mar. 2026

My own race, thankfully, offered voters a straightforward choice between two qualified candidates. —Patrick Hanley, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 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
• 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