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

Organizations may find themselves with increasingly capable AI systems but too few professionals qualified to oversee them. — Haris Pylarinos, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026

But those on the other side of the debate argued that bringing an iced coffee to a job interview shouldn’t be the reason a qualified candidate gets passed over. — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 23 Sep. 2026

Federal financial aid options are available to qualified applicants. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Sep. 2026

Californians can get a flu vaccine through their health plan, health care provider, local public health clinic or federally qualified health center. — Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 22 Sep. 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