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 ticket falls to Garcia, as Niemann (top 25 in the 2024 DP World Tour's Race to Dubai), Rahm (major winner in the last five years), DeChambeau (major winner in the last five years), and Reed (runner-up in the International Series Macau) are already qualified. —Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025

Executive Members also receive an annual 2% reward on qualified purchases, as well as discounts on Costco services. —James Powel, USA Today, 30 June 2025

Under glass, there are the handwritten incorporation papers for Orlando, which was approved by 22 qualified voters. —Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 June 2025

Encourage him to get someone who is qualified to help him. —Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 28 June 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