qualify

verb qual·i·fy \ ˈkwä-lə-ˌfī \

Updated on: 16 Nov 2017

Definition of qualify

qualified; qualifying

transitive verb

1 a : to reduce from a general to a particular or restricted form : modify

b : to make less harsh or strict : moderate

c : to alter the strength or flavor of

d : to limit or modify the meaning of

qualify a noun

2 : to characterize by naming an attribute : describe

cannot qualify it as … either glad or sorry
—T. S. Eliot

3 a : to fit by training, skill, or ability for a special purpose

b (1) : to declare competent or adequate : certify

(2) : to invest with legal capacity : license

intransitive verb

1 : to be or become fit (as for an office) : meet the required standard

2 : to acquire legal or competent power or capacity

has just qualified as a lawyer

3 a : to exhibit a required degree of ability in a preliminary contest

qualified for the finals

b : to shoot well enough to earn a marksmanship badge

See qualify defined for English-language learners

See qualify defined for kids

Examples of qualify in a Sentence

His experience qualifies him for the job.
The training will qualify you to sell insurance.
They both qualify for the job.
Did she qualify to receive financial aid?
Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.
The win qualifies her to compete in the final race.
The certification qualifies you to teach only in this state.

Recent Examples of qualify from the Web

Jack Sock beat Filip Krajinovic 5-7, 6-4, 6-1 Sunday to win the Paris Masters and qualify for the season-ending ATP Finals.

— jerome pugmire, kansascity, "Blue Valley North grad Jack Sock becomes first US man to pull off this feat since 2010," 5 Nov. 2017
In the two-day format, no activities on Friday, practice Saturday, and qualify and race on Sunday.

— john henry, star-telegram, "Gossage no happy camper about idea of reducing race weekends by a day | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 4 Nov. 2017
Sandburg placed fifth in the Hinsdale Central Sectional to earn a team qualifying spot for state.

— tim tierney, Daily Southtown, "Sandburg's Dylan Jacobs 'happy' as top contender for cross country state title," 2 Nov. 2017
In tandem with shifting the basis for affirmative action, colleges need to be clearer about what qualifies students for admission.

— john katzman and, WSJ, "Let’s Agree: Racial Affirmative Action Failed," 26 Oct. 2017
Snell’s workload Sophomore running back Benny Snell ranks fourth in the SEC in rushing yards per game (87.2) but has totaled 10 more carries than any other SEC player (126) and ranks 32nd among qualifying SEC players in yards per carry (4.15).

— jon hale, The Courier-Journal, "Five storylines to watch in second half of Kentucky football's 2017 season," 16 Oct. 2017
HSA Bank, an account provider, offers a list of expenses that qualify under Internal Revenue Service guidelines.

— ann carrns, New York Times, "The Benefits (and the Catch) of Health Savings Accounts," 13 Oct. 2017
Two Harford County teams also qualified for the 3A-4A state tourney.

— randy mcroberts, The Aegis, "Paula Moon, William Creery win District VII golf titles," 26 Sep. 2017
According to 2017 statistics by TfL, 68 percent of London’s taxi drivers identified as white and British, compared to only 6 percent of private-hire drivers, under which Uber qualifies.

— yasmeen serhan, The Atlantic, "London's Uber Beef Has Deep Cultural Roots," 22 Sep. 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of qualify

Middle French qualifier, from Medieval Latin qualificare, from Latin qualis

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First Known Use: 1533

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qualify Synonyms

Synonyms

modify

Antonyms

disqualify

Related Words

alter, color, distort, misrepresent, misstate, pervert, twist, warp; narrow

Near Antonyms

broaden, expand, widen

QUALIFY Defined for English Language Learners

qualify

verb

Definition of qualify for English Language Learners

: to give (someone) the necessary skill or knowledge to do a particular job or activity
: to have the necessary skill or knowledge to do a particular job or activity : to have the qualifications to do something
: to pass an exam or complete a course of study that is required in order to do something