disqualify

American

[dis-kwol-uh-fahy] / dɪsˈkwɒl əˌfaɪ /

verb (used with object)

disqualified, disqualifying

to deprive of qualification or fitness; render unfit; incapacitate.
to deprive of legal, official, or other rights or privileges; declare ineligible or unqualified.
Sports. to deprive of the right to participate in or win a contest because of a violation of the rules.

disqualify British

/ dɪsˈkwɒlɪˌfaɪ /

verb

to make unfit or unqualified
to make ineligible, as for entry to an examination
to debar (a player or team) from a sporting contest
to divest or deprive of rights, powers, or privileges

disqualified from driving

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of disqualify

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

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.

The length of her sentence disqualified her from seeking public office.

From BBC

He was also was ordered to pay a £228 surcharge within 12 months and was disqualified from driving.

From BBC

He will also be subject to a 15-year order disqualifying him from being a company director.

From BBC

Hassett addressed the question in a press gaggle Tuesday, pushing back on the idea that proximity to the president should be seen as disqualifying.

From Barron's

While such mishaps do not necessarily excuse an adviser’s actions, they may not prove as disqualifying as blatant fraud or deception.

From MarketWatch

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023