disqualify

verb

dis·​qual·​i·​fy (ˌ)dis-ˈkwä-lə-ˌfī 

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

Earlier this month, a 19-year-old trans fencer named Red Sullivan became the center of yet another anti-trans sporting firestorm when her opponent, 31-year-old Stephanie Turner, knelt down and intentionally disqualified herself from a Maryland tournament rather than compete against a trans athlete. —Samantha Riedel, Them., 1 May 2025

The 27-year-old finished fifth in the sprint in China, but was disqualified in the Grand Prix along with Hamilton. —Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025

In response, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a policy that presumptively disqualifies transgender people from military service. —Mark Sherman, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2025

Many of the latter will likely be disqualified for a variety of reasons. —Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1701, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for disqualify

• acidify
• alveoli
• areolae
• demystify
• detoxify
• diversify
• electrify
• exemplify
• fasciculi
• identify
• indemnify
• intensify

Kids Definition

disqualify

verb

dis·​qual·​i·​fy (ˈ)dis-ˈkwäl-ə-ˌfī 

disqualified; disqualifying

: to make or declare unfit or not qualified

Legal Definition

disqualify

transitive verb

dis·​qual·​i·​fy dis-ˈkwä-lə-ˌfī 

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