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

The protesters accuse the government of undermining democracy, as the main opposition leader is in jail and another opposition figure was disqualified from the election, bolstering Samia's chances of winning.

Read more on BBC

The federal public defender’s office in Los Angeles asked the judge to disqualify Essayli from participating in and supervising criminal prosecutions in the district.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“Further, if you get fired over a refusal to sign, you may even become disqualified from receiving the government’s unemployment benefits program, among other consequences.”

Read more on MarketWatch

It triggered calls for him to be disqualified but he went on to win the contested polls, which were boycotted by opposition parties.

Read more on Barron's

The SEC rule skews our political discussion by disqualifying many workers in an important economic sector from a core element of political debate.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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