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

Horse racing’s leading trainer with nearly 2,900 victories to his credit scored his only Run for the Roses victory because of a disqualification.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

This disqualification ends five years after the sentence has been completed.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

Archer seeks Joby’s disqualification from an FAA pilot program and scrutiny of its federal partnerships.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

Heraskevych appealed his disqualification to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which ruled against him.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 16, 2026

She went on to lay out the rules about pencils, erasers, and disqualification.

From "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart

Related Words

• elimination
• exclusion