disqualify

[dis-kwol-uh-fahy]

verb (used with object)

disqualified, disqualifying 

1. to deprive of qualification or fitness; render unfit; incapacitate.

2. to deprive of legal, official, or other rights or privileges; declare ineligible or unqualified.

3. Sports.,  to deprive of the right to participate in or win a contest because of a violation of the rules.

disqualify

/ dɪsˈkwɒlɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to make unfit or unqualified

2. to make ineligible, as for entry to an examination

3. to debar (a player or team) from a sporting contest

4. to divest or deprive of rights, powers, or privileges

   disqualified from driving

Other Word Forms

• disqualifiable adjective
• nondisqualifying adjective
• undisqualifiable adjective
• undisqualified adjective
• disqualifier noun
• disqualification noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of disqualify¹

First recorded in 1710–20; dis- ¹ + qualify

Example Sentences

Personal indiscretions once seen as disqualifying, such as the extramarital affair that chased Gary Hart from the 1988 presidential race, scarcely raise an eyebrow.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

One month later, the Court of Appeals disqualified the District Attorney and her entire office.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Both McLaren drivers suffered a blow when they were disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix last weekend after the skid blocks on their cars were found to have worn too much.

Read more on BBC

Dias was supported by former Prime Minister Domingos Pereira, who had been disqualified from running.

Read more on BBC

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were disqualified from second and fourth place respectively after the race when it was found that their cars' skid blocks had worn out too much.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• bar 
• exclude 
• invalidate 
• preclude 
• prohibit 
• rule out 
• suspend