qualified

adjective qual·i·fied \ ˈkwä-lə-ˌfīd \

Updated on: 10 Dec 2017

Definition of qualified

1 a : fitted (as by training or experience) for a given purpose : competent

b : having complied with the specific requirements or precedent conditions (as for an office or employment) : eligible

2 : limited or modified in some way

qualified approval

—

qualifiedly

play \ˈkwä-lə-ˌfī(-ə)d-lē\ adverb

See qualified defined for English-language learners

See qualified defined for kids

Examples of qualified in a Sentence

She is highly qualified for the job.
I'm not qualified to give you advice about what you should do.
She gave a qualified yes to the question.
The plan was given qualified approval.

Recent Examples of qualified from the Web

Many of us were told, during filming, that coming forward to talk about this culture would result in our show being canceled and hundreds of lovely, qualified, hard-working, and talented people losing their jobs.

— thr staff, The Hollywood Reporter, "Showrunner Mark Schwahn Accused of Sexual Harassment by 'One Tree Hill' Cast, Crew," 14 Nov. 2017
Obviously, the fighting could not come at a worse time for Team Trump, which is trying to get a tax bill passed by the end of the year, a goal that would be difficult for even the most qualified, on-top-of-things administration.

— bess levin, vanityfair.com, "Republicans “Furious” with Bob Corker . . . for Endangering Tax Cuts," 24 Oct. 2017
At the same time, Panama was mounting a comeback of its own against Costa Rica, and Honduras was battling against already-qualified Mexico.

— joshua robinson, WSJ, "U.S. Soccer Team Is Shut Out of World Cup After Defeat," 11 Oct. 2017
Ivy Tech ensures its courses prepare future nurses well by keeping up to date with equipment like labs with manikins simulating actual patients, hiring well-qualified instructors and forming partnerships with area medical facilities.

— donna kiesling, chicagotribune.com, "Ivy Tech sets record for nursing applicants," 25 Sep. 2017
Kyle Vaughn, was the most qualified candidate for the job.

— stephanie wang, Indianapolis Star, "Southport police chief disputes nepotism after son gets only other paid position," 21 Sep. 2017
Although Bridenstine is a politician, there are likely few people in Congress more qualified to lead the space agency.

— eric berger, Ars Technica, "Trump’s pick for NASA lays out agenda and answers critics," 20 Sep. 2017
Hillary Clinton is a highly qualified candidate, but the hatred surrounding her is unprecedented.

— sammy nickalls, Esquire, "Here's Why So Many Men Fear Having a Female President," 5 Nov. 2016
Gone are the days when eating less and exercising more qualified as a weight loss plan.

— jessica prince erlich, Harper's BAZAAR, "How to Drop The Last 5 Lbs.," 15 Aug. 2014

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'qualified.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of qualified

1558

qualified Synonyms

Synonyms

able, capable, equal, fit, good, competent, suitable

Antonyms

incompetent, inept, poor, unfit, unfitted, unqualified

Related Words

accomplished, ace, adept, experienced, expert, master, masterful, masterly, practiced (also practised), proficient, seasoned, skilled, skillful, veteran; overqualified; prepared, schooled, trained; apt, ready, willing; all-around (also all-round), protean, versatile

Near Antonyms

inexperienced, inexpert, unseasoned, unskilled, unskillful; unprepared, unschooled, untrained; beginning, green, new, raw, untested, untried

QUALIFIED Defined for English Language Learners

qualified

adjective

Definition of qualified for English Language Learners

: having the necessary skill, experience, or knowledge to do a particular job or activity : having the qualifications to do something
: not complete : limited in some way