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

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

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

The property may include a preservation easement — a voluntary legal arrangement between a property owner and a qualified organization to protect the home from alteration or demolition. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025

Cline: Unlike qualified plans, the assets in non-qualified plans aren’t required to be held in a separate trust. —Larry Light, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025

At the plate, Story went from one of the worst qualified hitters in the sport in May to now leading American League shortstops in home runs (15) and runs batted in (57). —Tim Crowley, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025

An effort to unseat a rural city councilman for alleged aggressive behavior failed after the recall petition lacked a sufficient number of signatures from qualified electors. —Sarah Lapidus, AZCentral.com, 10 July 2025

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