qualified
Americanadjective
-
having the qualities, accomplishments, etc., that fit a person for some function, office, or the like.
-
having the qualities, accomplishments, etc., required by law or custom for getting, having, or exercising a right, holding an office, or the like.
-
modified, limited, or restricted in some way.
a qualified endorsement.
adjective
-
having the abilities, qualities, attributes, etc, necessary to perform a particular job or task
-
limited, modified, or restricted; not absolute
Other Word Forms
- qualifiedly adverb
- qualifiedness noun
- quasi-qualified adjective
- underqualified adjective
- well-qualified adjective
Etymology
Origin of qualified
Explanation
Qualified means something depends on another action occurring. If your friend receives a qualified offer on her house, that means something else has to happen — like a bank approving the loan — before it's sold. Qualified is an adjective with multiple meanings. Employers seek the most qualified applicants, meaning those who have the most experience and relevant training. Being qualified might also mean you have paperwork that shows you had certain training or meet certain standards. Or qualified can mean "partial" or "incomplete." If you approve of something but others need to agree before it's final, you would give your qualified approval.
Vocabulary lists containing qualified
Excerpt from "The Philosophy of Literary Form" by Kenneth Burke
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Michelle Obama's Speech at the 2016 DNC
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
40 SAT words Beginning with "Q"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Withdrawals for qualified expenses External link, such as education, are also not taxed.
From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026
Though several of the lawmakers had not planned on backing either candidate, they’re reconsidering, driven by anger at Swalwell and frustration that other qualified women, Lt.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026
People itemize charitable gifts if their total allowable itemized deductions — including donations to qualified charities, mortgage interest, and state and local taxes — exceed the standard deduction.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 11, 2026
The individuals who survive and flourish in such a system are sycophants and mediocrities, and those who have learned to navigate the Great Leader’s moods are far from the most qualified, talented or honorable.
From Salon • Apr. 11, 2026
“She’s qualified, isn’t she?” demanded the general with a sudden frown of uneasiness.
From "I, Robot" by Isaac Asimov
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.
