qualified
Americanadjective
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having the qualities, accomplishments, etc., that fit a person for some function, office, or the like.
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having the qualities, accomplishments, etc., required by law or custom for getting, having, or exercising a right, holding an office, or the like.
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modified, limited, or restricted in some way.
a qualified endorsement.
adjective
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having the abilities, qualities, attributes, etc, necessary to perform a particular job or task
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limited, modified, or restricted; not absolute
Other Word Forms
- qualifiedly adverb
- qualifiedness noun
- quasi-qualified adjective
- underqualified adjective
- well-qualified adjective
Etymology
Origin of qualified
Explanation
Qualified means something depends on another action occurring. If your friend receives a qualified offer on her house, that means something else has to happen — like a bank approving the loan — before it's sold. Qualified is an adjective with multiple meanings. Employers seek the most qualified applicants, meaning those who have the most experience and relevant training. Being qualified might also mean you have paperwork that shows you had certain training or meet certain standards. Or qualified can mean "partial" or "incomplete." If you approve of something but others need to agree before it's final, you would give your qualified approval.
Vocabulary lists containing qualified
Excerpt from "The Philosophy of Literary Form" by Kenneth Burke
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Michelle Obama's Speech at the 2016 DNC
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40 SAT words Beginning with "Q"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
However, Iran’s enthusiasm for the tournament seems to rise and fall based on the progress of negotiations to end the war, the first in history between a World Cup host and a qualified country.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026
In a 6–3 shadow docket decision, the Supreme Court ruled the police officer involved was protected by qualified immunity, without holding a full briefing or oral arguments.
From Slate • Apr. 23, 2026
The Democratic Republic of Congo qualified for their first World Cup in 52 years by beating Jamaica in their intercontinental play-off final, with an extra-time goal from Axel Tuanzebe sealing the win.
From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026
My actual gain in April is significantly higher, but much of it is unrealized or tax-deferred in qualified accounts.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026
Surely he was just as qualified as Shomari and Fahim?
From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
