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.
Listen to this article Loading your audio article Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis was disqualified Thursday from the Georgia election interference case against President-elect Trump over an affair with her top lieutenant. Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 19 Dec. 2024 The ruling disqualifying Willis also comes as the criminal cases against Trump have broadly fallen apart in the wake of his election, with his federal charges getting dismissed and his sentencing in Manhattan being indefinitely postponed. Alison Durkee, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024 Their conviction rate won’t disqualify them since the program doesn’t require convictions to continue receiving funding. Jayme Fraser, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2024 Again, his failure to follow the mandates of Democratic voters in the state should be considered by Democrats on the Baltimore County Council as disqualifying. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 10 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near disqualify

Cite this Entry

“Disqualify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disqualify. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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