qualitative

adjective

qual·​i·​ta·​tive ˈkwä-lə-ˌtā-tiv How to pronounce qualitative (audio)
: of, relating to, or involving quality or kind
qualitatively adverb

Examples of qualitative in a Sentence

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.
Inspired by his personal experiences and a book about basketball culture, Jimerson set out to begin the first qualitative academic research on pickup hoops, examining games in suburban Chicago and West Lafayette, Ind. — Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 30 July 2026 Israeli officials worry the former could erode the country’s qualitative military edge while the latter could trigger a regional nuclear arms race. — Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 28 July 2026 The agreement also includes several qualitative commitments aimed at improving the visibility of movies and supporting diversity in film productions. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 27 July 2026 In my experience, the cost of a traditional qualitative study can far exceed research budgets. — Anna Convery, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for qualitative

Word History

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of qualitative was in 1607

Phrases Containing qualitative

Rhymes for qualitative

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Browse Nearby Words

qualifying heat
qualitative
qualitative analysis
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Cite this Entry

“Qualitative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/qualitative. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

qualitative

adjective
qual·​i·​ta·​tive ˈkwäl-ə-ˌtāt-iv How to pronounce qualitative (audio)
: of, relating to, or involving quality or kind
qualitatively adverb

Medical Definition

qualitative

adjective
qual·​i·​ta·​tive ˈkwäl-ə-ˌtāt-iv How to pronounce qualitative (audio)
: of, relating to, or involving quality or kind
qualitative changes
qualitatively adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on qualitative

Nglish: Translation of qualitative for Spanish Speakers

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