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

Applicants experiencing homelessness or unstable housing may not be disqualified due to lack of a permanent address. —Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025

Transgender athletes are not disqualified from participating. —Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025

The Andretti IndyCar team has released a statement after two of its cars were disqualified from the Indianapolis 500. —Lydia Mee, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025

Sammy Smith initially finished in fifth place and was disqualified for failing to meet the minimum weight requirement following post-race inspection, NASCAR announced Saturday night. —Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 25 May 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