qualify
verb
qual·i·fy
ˈkwä-lə-ˌfī 
qualified; qualifying
1
2
: to characterize by naming an attribute : describe
… cannot qualify it as … either glad or sorry.—
T. S. Eliot
T. S. Eliot1
: 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
In order to qualify for a lifetime license, people need to provide proof of residency.
—Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 4 Apr. 2026
The tax credit program allows qualifying counties to vote on capping annual property tax increases for residents.
—Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026
With their 9-4 road loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday, the Panthers have been mathematically eliminated from qualifying for the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
About a million people in Orange County currently qualify for Medi-Cal, and a study issued earlier this year by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research and the UC Berkeley Labor Center projects that as many as 249,000 of those people could lose their plans over the next two years.
—Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for qualify
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Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 4 Apr. 2026
The tax credit program allows qualifying counties to vote on capping annual property tax increases for residents.
—Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026
With their 9-4 road loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday, the Panthers have been mathematically eliminated from qualifying for the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
About a million people in Orange County currently qualify for Medi-Cal, and a study issued earlier this year by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research and the UC Berkeley Labor Center projects that as many as 249,000 of those people could lose their plans over the next two years.
—Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for qualify
Cite this Entry
“Qualify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/qualify. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
qualify
verb
qual·i·fy
ˈkwäl-ə-ˌfī
qualified; qualifying
1
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
qualified; qualifying
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
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
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