unqualified

[uhn-kwol-uh-fahyd]

adjective

1. not qualified; qualify; not fit; lacking requisite qualifications.

   unqualified for the job.

   Synonyms: incompetent, unfit

2. not modified, limited, or restricted in any way; without reservations.

   unqualified praise.

   Synonyms: unmitigated

3. absolute; complete; out-and-out.

   an unqualified liar.

   Synonyms: thorough, downright

unqualified

/ ʌnˈkwɒlɪˌfaɪd /

adjective

1. lacking the necessary qualifications

2. not restricted or modified

   an unqualified criticism

3. (usually prenominal) (intensifier)

   an unqualified success

Other Word Forms

• unqualifiable adjective
• unqualifiedly adverb
• unqualifiedness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unqualified¹

First recorded in 1550–60; un- ¹ + qualified

Synonym Study

See absolute.

Example Sentences

“They weren’t satisfied getting lots of unqualified borrowers to borrow money to buy a house they couldn’t afford,” said Eisman.

Read more on Literature

After the August posting of the search, the museum reportedly received about 17 resumes, “mostly unqualified,” the letter said, before direct solicitations to professional associates in the field eventually surfaced two potential names.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

I would take a hit for an unqualified expense, right?

Read more on MarketWatch

According to the logline, “Hollywood Arts” will see Trina return to her alma mater as “an unqualified substitute teacher” after struggling to make it as an actress.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It added that the injunctions rewarded "the privilege of American citizenship on hundreds of thousands of unqualified people".

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• inadequate 
• incapable 
• ineligible 
• inexperienced 
• unfit 
• unprepared 
• unskilled