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.
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 So Hall was deemed unqualified. David Treuer, The Atlantic, 13 Jan. 2026 For Democrats, that makes a person evil and unqualified to hold public office. Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 8 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

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Cite this Entry

“Unqualified.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unqualified. Accessed 28 Jan. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on unqualified

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