underqualified
adjective
un·der·qual·i·fied
ˌən-dər-ˈkwä-lə-ˌfīd 
: lacking sufficient qualifications (such as adequate education and experience) for a particular job, assignment, etc.
an underqualified candidate
… if entrants are greatly underqualified academically, new curricula will be required.—
Julian C. Stanley
Julian C. StanleyExamples of underqualified in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Those critics argue that the overhaul of the courts could give the governing party more power and open the door to underqualified or easily influenced candidates.
—James Wagner, New York Times, 1 June 2025
Without a rigorous vetting process, companies risk hiring underqualified talent or teams that overpromise and underdeliver.
—Luis Peralta, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
In many places, part of the problem is that kids have underqualified teachers, who are underpaid and not respected by the community.
—Foreign Affairs, 29 Sep. 2014
But that mindset can lead to underqualified hires who lack the ability to manage the complexity and pace of executive-level demands.
—Kenzie Biggins, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for underqualified
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.
James Wagner, New York Times, 1 June 2025
Without a rigorous vetting process, companies risk hiring underqualified talent or teams that overpromise and underdeliver.
—Luis Peralta, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
In many places, part of the problem is that kids have underqualified teachers, who are underpaid and not respected by the community.
—Foreign Affairs, 29 Sep. 2014
But that mindset can lead to underqualified hires who lack the ability to manage the complexity and pace of executive-level demands.
—Kenzie Biggins, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for underqualified
Cite this Entry
“Underqualified.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underqualified. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share