unqualified
Americanadjective
-
not qualified; not fit; lacking requisite qualifications.
unqualified for the job.
- Synonyms:
- incompetent, unfit
-
not modified, limited, or restricted in any way; without reservations.
unqualified praise.
- Synonyms:
- unmitigated
-
absolute; complete; out-and-out.
an unqualified liar.
adjective
-
lacking the necessary qualifications
-
not restricted or modified
an unqualified criticism
-
(usually prenominal) (intensifier)
an unqualified success
Related Words
See absolute.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of unqualified
Explanation
If you're unqualified for something, you're not cut out to do it, often because you don't have the skills or knowledge you need. A dog trainer is most likely unqualified to perform brain surgery. The adjective unqualified is good for describing someone who isn't fit for a task or job. You wouldn't want an unqualified dentist to fill your cavity, and an unqualified babysitter might not even know how to change a diaper or put a bandage on a scraped elbow. Another way people can be unqualified is when they lack some necessary document — you're unqualified to teach in a public school, for example, without a state teaching certificate.
Vocabulary lists containing unqualified
United States v. Nixon (1974)
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!
Roe v. Wade (1973)
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!
On Liberty
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.
Were the Iran war to turn out a complete and unqualified success, that would represent the sharpest imaginable break with the American tradition in foreign policy.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026
This stuff is all absolutely appalling, and it is an unqualified good that she’ll be out the door.
From Slate • Apr. 3, 2026
In the report published on Friday, the Education Select Committee recommended the government must provide an "unqualified formal apology" to all those affected by forced adoption in the UK.
From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026
“To call Jeremy Carl a radical and a bigot and unqualified is all far too kind.”
From Salon • Feb. 12, 2026
I was clearly unqualified, yet I accepted the job without hesitation, as it would allow me to wear a tie and go by the name of Mr. Sedaris.
From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris
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.
