qualification

noun

qual·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌkwä-lə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: a restriction in meaning or application : a limiting modification

this statement stands without qualification

2

a

obsolete : nature

b

archaic : characteristic

3

a

: a quality or skill that fits a person (as for an office)

the applicant with the best qualifications

b

: a condition or standard that must be complied with (as for the attainment of a privilege)

a qualification for membership

Synonyms

• capability
• credentials
• goods
• stuff

Examples of qualification in a Sentence

She is finishing up her qualification in marketing.

He is studying for his teaching qualification.

Students working towards their qualifications.

Recent Examples on the Web

Currently, there are only nine disks that fit this qualification. —Nola Taylor Tillman, Space.com, 17 Feb. 2025

Seek rejection as a practice: ask for that promotion, pitch a bold idea, or apply for something beyond your qualifications. —Dale Whelehan, TIME, 14 Feb. 2025

Their qualifications include the cost of the average wedding in the city, the number of venues available and accommodations for guests. —Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2025

The executive order would appear to challenge basic and longstanding principles of the Foreign Service: that career diplomats should be hired based on their qualifications and expertise, not their political views, and that dissent should be welcomed and not punished. —Michael Crowley, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing qualification

• paper qualification
• pre-qualification

Kids Definition

qualification

noun

qual·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌkwäl-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act or an instance of qualifying

2

: the state of being qualified

3

a

: a special skill, knowledge, or ability that fits a person for a particular work or position

b

: a condition that must be met (as to gain a privilege)