disqualification

American  

[dis-kwol-uh-fi-key-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

A 2011 law establishes penalties of up to 20 years of disqualification from operating in Argentina and up to 15 years in prison for the offense.

From Barron's ● Sep. 8, 2026

Magistrate Andrew McGregor said Tweed would receive a statutory disqualification from driving of 12 months.

From BBC ● Aug. 3, 2026

The Missoula, Mont., organization has nine categories of disqualification, including the use of drones and trail cameras with transmission abilities.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 5, 2026

Anyone who says “California Girls” or “California Gurls” deserves disqualification, even if both songs rock.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 28, 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