unqualified

adjective

un·​qual·​i·​fied ˌən-ˈkwä-lə-ˌfīd How to pronounce unqualified (audio)
Synonyms of unqualifiednext
1
: not fit : not having requisite qualifications
unqualified job candidates
2
: not modified or restricted by reservations : complete
an unqualified denial
unqualifiedly adverb

Examples of unqualified in a Sentence

He is clearly unqualified for the job. It's a judgment that you are unqualified to make. You have my unqualified support.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The long-term damage that an unqualified, incompetent, compromised or immoral — but superpowered — mayor can inflict on the city is too great. Steven Falk, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026 The most common complaints include denying legitimate claims, partnering with inexperienced and unqualified service providers, poor service, and slow response times. Sharon Brandwein, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026 Most applicants were obviously unqualified or had concocted entirely fake profiles. IEEE Spectrum, 15 Jan. 2026 Most of it was courtesy of Camilo Doval, one of the Giants’ few unqualified international success stories in recent decades. Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unqualified

Word History

First Known Use

1556, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unqualified was in 1556

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unqualified.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unqualified. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

unqualified

adjective
un·​qual·​i·​fied ˌən-ˈkwäl-ə-ˌfīd How to pronounce unqualified (audio)
ˈən-
1
: not fit : not having required qualifications
unqualified for the job
2
: not having any exceptions : absolute
an unqualified denial
unqualifiedly adverb

Legal Definition

unqualified

adjective
un·​qual·​i·​fied ˌən-ˈkwä-lə-ˌfīd How to pronounce unqualified (audio)
: not qualified

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