disqualification
Americannoun
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an act or instance of disqualifying.
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the state of being disqualified.
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something that disqualifies.
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."
Vocabulary lists containing disqualification
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
“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
The ruling says the penalty for breaching 5.3a is disqualification, although there are three exceptions including:
From BBC ● May 14, 2026
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
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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
