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.
Intermittent remote supervision and remote assistance continue forever, and do not disqualify a team from crossing the line. Brad Templeton, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025 Licensing loopholes Although disqualified from a federal explosives license, Chee secured three state licenses for Devastating Pyrotechnics from Cal Fire’s Office of the State Fire Marshal, allowing the company to import and export, wholesale and use display fireworks. Sacbee.com, 12 July 2025 Questions about the sheriff’s academy class came as the NYPD took steps to terminate 30 of its probationary officers who should have been disqualified by background checks. Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 11 July 2025 Recall organizers turned in more than 400 signatures, but 110 of that total were found not to be qualified electors or disqualified for another reason, according to a June 24 recall petition certification. Sarah Lapidus, AZCentral.com, 10 July 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 21 Jul. 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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