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.
Peter Lurie, a physician and president of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, called Means an unqualified wellness influencer and lifestyle blogger. Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 25 Feb. 2026 Federal regulators are shutting down more than 550 commercial driving schools nationwide after finding unqualified instructors, inadequate testing and other safety failures. Josh Funk, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026 Donlon’s suit accusing senior NYPD leadership of engaging in a civil racketeering conspiracy included accusations that senior leadership used his physical office stamp — without his knowledge — to OK promotions of unqualified but politically connected officers. Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 19 Feb. 2026 Inspectors found shortcomings such as employing unqualified instructors, failing to test students' skills or teach them how to handle hazardous materials and using the wrong equipment to teach drivers. ABC News, 18 Feb. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Unqualified.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unqualified. Accessed 4 Mar. 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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