disqualify

verb

dis·​qual·​i·​fy (ˌ)dis-ˈkwä-lə-ˌfī How to pronounce disqualify (audio)
disqualified; disqualifying; disqualifies
Synonyms of disqualify

transitive verb

1
: to deprive of the required qualities, properties, or conditions : make unfit
2
: to deprive of a power, right, or privilege
3
: to make ineligible for a prize or for further competition because of violations of the rules

Examples of disqualify in a Sentence

His poor eyesight disqualified him from becoming a pilot.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The practical impact is not immediately clear since many who have engaged in prostitution may still be either immediately disqualified or weeded out upon further scrutiny from FBI polygraphers and security officials. — Eric Tucker, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026 Bryan Kohberger’s new attorney has filed a motion to disqualify the judge in his case and has asked for a change of venue for his post-conviction proceeding. — Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 28 Aug. 2026 The motions are asking for Fourth Judicial District Judge Steven Hippler to be disqualified for Kohberger's post-conviction court proceedings and for the hearings to be moved out of Ada County. — Louis Casiano , Lee Ross, FOXNews.com, 28 Aug. 2026 The lawsuit alleges that South Dakota’s rollout of the proof-of-citizenship requirement has disqualified eligible voters over erroneous minutiae and failed to offer them a realistic shot at fixing problems with their registration application. — John Hult, States Newsroom, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disqualify

Word History

First Known Use

1701, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of disqualify was in 1701

Rhymes for disqualify

See All Rhymes for disqualify

Browse Nearby Words

disqualification
disqualify
disquantity
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disqualify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disqualify. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

disqualify

verb
dis·​qual·​i·​fy (ˈ)dis-ˈkwäl-ə-ˌfī How to pronounce disqualify (audio)
disqualified; disqualifying
: to make or declare unfit or not qualified

Legal Definition

disqualify

transitive verb
dis·​qual·​i·​fy dis-ˈkwä-lə-ˌfī How to pronounce disqualify (audio)
disqualified; disqualifying
1
: to deprive of the required qualities, properties, or conditions
a financial interest in the case that disqualified the judge
2
: to deprive of a right or privilege especially after a hearing
misconduct that disqualified the employee from receiving unemployment benefits

More from Merriam-Webster on disqualify

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for disqualify

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