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

There are few people more qualified to take a hard, unflinching look at the complicated world of ‘90s boy bands than Joey Fatone. —Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2026

Much of the recruiting shortfall has been tied to a shrinking pool of qualified applicants. —Steven Beynon, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026

One qualified passenger isn’t enough—every person in the row must independently meet the criteria and agree to assist. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026

And with volatility in the space especially pronounced right now, qualified borrowers may find that locking in a mortgage rate now, before the April Fed meeting, is their next best step. —Matt Richardson, CBS News, 15 Apr. 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