unqualified

American  

[uhn-kwol-uh-fahyd] / ʌnˈkwɒl əˌfaɪd /

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

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unqualified British  

/ ʌnˈkwɒlɪˌfaɪd /

adjective

1. lacking the necessary qualifications

2. not restricted or modified

   an unqualified criticism

3. (usually prenominal) (intensifier)

   an unqualified success

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Related Words

See absolute.

Other Word Forms

• unqualifiable adjective
• unqualifiedly adverb
• unqualifiedness noun

Etymology

Origin of unqualified

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

Example Sentences

Graduation and retention rates make up by far the biggest weight in the rankings, but that may encourage colleges to inflate grades to ensure that unqualified applicants that they admit still graduate.

From The Wall Street Journal

Healthcare professionals have warned that Scotland is the worst country in Europe for unqualified beauticians injecting customers with cosmetic treatments.

From BBC

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From 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.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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