disqualify

verb

dis·​qual·​i·​fy (ˌ)dis-ˈkwä-lə-ˌfī How to pronounce disqualify (audio)
disqualified; disqualifying; disqualifies
Synonyms of disqualify

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.
The fragmented structure also disqualified the city from some grant opportunities that required applicants to demonstrate a coordinated approach to outreach, support and enforcement related to homelessness. — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026 For example, any firm that has a disclosure on record with the SEC, such as a regulatory violation, is automatically disqualified from the ranking. — Kelli Grant, Cfp®,riley De León, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026 If a crack reaches a giant zucchini’s internal cavity, the zucchini — known as marrow by growers — is disqualified. — Kyle Melnick, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026 Back in 2012, for instance, David Nalbandian lost $51,000 when he was disqualified from the Queens final for kicking a line judge. — Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 5 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for disqualify

See All Rhymes for disqualify

Browse Nearby Words

disqualification
disqualify
disquantity
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disqualify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disqualify. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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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

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