disqualification

American  

[dis-kwol-uh-fi-kay-shuhn] / dɪsˌkwɒl ə fɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. an act or instance of disqualifying.

2. the state of being disqualified.

3. something that disqualifies.

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Etymology

Origin of disqualification

First recorded in 1705–15; disquali(fy) + -fication

Explanation

A situation or fact that means you're not allowed or able to participate in something is a disqualification. Being born in a non-US country is a disqualification for becoming President of the United States. Not speaking French might be a disqualification for studying in France, and being over 18 is a disqualification for participating in Little League baseball. Another kind of disqualification is the action of preventing someone from doing something, often for a specific time period: "His disqualification from participating in bowling tournaments lasts until next year." Qualify, from the Latin qualis, "of what sort?" came to mean "be fit for a job." The prefix dis- means "not."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

disqualification

The Supreme Court convened on Thursday to hear Abu Shehadeh's appeal against the disqualification.

From Barron's ● Oct. 2, 2026

After the ruling, the Charity Commission said its disqualification of Campbell had been made on the "evidence available to us at the time".

From Barron's ● Oct. 1, 2026

However, magistrate Mandy Lamplough told the writer she had not done enough to prove that disqualification would cause her "exceptional hardship".

From BBC ● Aug. 3, 2026

“Their disqualification from categorization as futures contracts on the basis of their indefinite duration cuts directly against established precedent,” Kalshi told the CFTC.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 21, 2026

In those few European countries that permit limited postprison disqualification, the sanction is very narrowly tailored and the number of people disenfranchised is probably in the dozens or hundreds.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander

Related Words

• elimination
• exclusion