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

Repeat offenders who accumulate 12 points could therefore face disqualification from driving.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

Trainer Brad Cox is horse racing’s leading trainer, but his only victory in the Run for the Roses came out of a disqualification.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026

A controller who receives a temporary mental-health disqualification can ask to be assigned other duties at their facility or another location, the FAA spokesman said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

Tschofenig had scored 137.7 in the first round but his rule breach led to an immediate disqualification and handed Slovakia's Hektor Kapustik a route through to the final.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

Did he not know he’d be disqualified, or was disqualification his plan?

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman

Related Words

• elimination
• exclusion