qualify

verb

qual·​i·​fy ˈkwä-lə-ˌfī How to pronounce qualify (audio)
qualified; qualifying

transitive verb

1
a
: to reduce from a general to a particular or restricted form : modify
b
: to make less harsh or strict : moderate
c
: to alter the strength or flavor of
d
: to limit or modify the meaning of
qualify a noun
2
: to characterize by naming an attribute : describe
cannot qualify it as … either glad or sorryT. S. Eliot
3
a
: to fit by training, skill, or ability for a special purpose
b(1)
: to declare competent or adequate : certify
(2)
: to invest with legal capacity : license

intransitive verb

1
: to be or become fit (as for an office) : meet the required standard
2
: to acquire legal or competent power or capacity
has just qualified as a lawyer
3
a
: to exhibit a required degree of ability in a preliminary contest
qualified for the finals
b
: to shoot well enough to earn a marksmanship badge

Examples of qualify in a Sentence

His experience qualifies him for the job. The training will qualify you to sell insurance. They both qualify for the job. Did she qualify to receive financial aid? Financial assistance is available for those who qualify. The win qualifies her to compete in the final race. The certification qualifies you to teach only in this state.
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.
Until now, that achievement was qualified by the fragmented nature of some of their performances. Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025 Professional workers willing to take local jobs may also qualify for an incentive program. Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2025 Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Sport Clips Haircuts Toyota, looks on during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Hollywood Casino 400 Presented by ESPN BET at Kansas Speedway on September 27, 2025 in Kansas City, Kansas. Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025 After a team captain is chosen, the top six players from their respective countries automatically qualify, and the captains get to select the final six players. Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for qualify

Word History

Etymology

Middle French qualifier, from Medieval Latin qualificare, from Latin qualis

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of qualify was in 1533

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Qualify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/qualify. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

qualify

verb
qual·​i·​fy ˈkwäl-ə-ˌfī How to pronounce qualify (audio)
qualified; qualifying
1
a
: to make less general or more limited : modify
qualify a statement
b
: to make less harsh or strict : moderate
qualify a punishment
c
: to limit the meaning of (as a noun)
2
: to describe in a particular way
would you qualify her as smart
3
a
: to fit or be fit (as by training, skill, or ability) for a special purpose
qualify for a race
b
: license entry 2
qualified to practice law

Legal Definition

qualify

verb
qual·​i·​fy ˈkwä-lə-ˌfī How to pronounce qualify (audio)
qualified; qualifying

transitive verb

1
: to limit or modify in some way
2
: to make or consider eligible or fit
his training and experience qualified him as an expert witness
3
: to issue a certificate or license to

intransitive verb

1
: to meet certain requirements or criteria
qualify for a tax credit
2
: to acquire competent power or capacity
has just qualified as a lawyer

More from Merriam-Webster on qualify

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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