disqualify

verb

dis·​qual·​i·​fy (ˌ)dis-ˈkwä-lə-ˌfī How to pronounce disqualify (audio)
disqualified; disqualifying; disqualifies

transitive verb

1
: to deprive of the required qualities, properties, or conditions : make unfit
2
: to deprive of a power, right, or privilege
3
: to make ineligible for a prize or for further competition because of violations of the rules

Examples of disqualify in a Sentence

His poor eyesight disqualified him from becoming a pilot.
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.
Farrell's position as camerlengo doesn't inherently disqualify or prime him for the position of pope. Rachel Treisman, NPR, 21 Apr. 2025 However, even if his screen time is limited, new Emmy rules disqualify Pascal from competing in the guest actor (drama) category. Clayton Davis, Variety, 21 Apr. 2025 Women's fencer refuses to face transgender opponent at competition, taking a knee in protest Women's fencer Stephanie Turner took a knee in protest when paired with a transgender opponent at a major competition at the University of Maryland, and was then immediately disqualified. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 16 Apr. 2025 Does being a young woman author, or having a young woman at the center of your story, automatically disqualify it from literature, and put it into some other like romance or chick lit, or women’s fiction? Samantha Dunn, Oc Register, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disqualify

Word History

First Known Use

1701, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of disqualify was in 1701

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disqualify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disqualify. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

disqualify

verb
dis·​qual·​i·​fy (ˈ)dis-ˈkwäl-ə-ˌfī How to pronounce disqualify (audio)
disqualified; disqualifying
: to make or declare unfit or not qualified

Legal Definition

disqualify

transitive verb
dis·​qual·​i·​fy dis-ˈkwä-lə-ˌfī How to pronounce disqualify (audio)
disqualified; disqualifying
1
: to deprive of the required qualities, properties, or conditions
a financial interest in the case that disqualified the judge
2
: to deprive of a right or privilege especially after a hearing
misconduct that disqualified the employee from receiving unemployment benefits

More from Merriam-Webster on disqualify

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