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

"I'm not instructed to resist the disqualification and he has been told he is not to drive from last night," Lewis added.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 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

Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych has lost his bid to overturn an Olympic disqualification over his helmet decorated with tributes to Ukraine’s war dead.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 16, 2026

The Olympian didn’t budge, and the standoff ended with his disqualification.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 15, 2026

Few people would be surprised at the disqualification of those notoriously ferocious candidates.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

Related Words

• elimination
• exclusion