qualify
verb
qual·i·fy
| \ ˈkwä-lə-ˌfī
\
\
qualified;
qualifying
Definition of qualify
1a
: to reduce from a general to a particular or restricted form : modify
b
: to make less harsh or strict : moderate
c
: to alter the strength or flavor of
d
: to limit or modify the meaning of
qualify a noun
2
: to characterize by naming an attribute : describe
cannot qualify it as … either glad or sorry— T. S. Eliot
1
: to be or become fit (as for an office) : meet the required standard
2
: to acquire legal or competent power or capacity
has just qualified as a lawyer
3a
: to exhibit a required degree of ability in a preliminary contest
qualified for the finals
b
: to shoot well enough to earn a marksmanship badge
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Examples of qualify in a Sentence
His experience qualifies him for the job.
The training will qualify you to sell insurance.
They both qualify for the job.
Did she qualify to receive financial aid?
Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.
The win qualifies her to compete in the final race.
The certification qualifies you to teach only in this state.
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Recent Examples on the Web
This group of mostly low-income residents doesn’t qualify for subsidies on the exchange and is heavily reliant on emergency rooms and community clinics for care. — Washington Post, "Sanders: Medicare for All means more taxes, better coverage," 31 Aug. 2019 In a still-crowded Democratic field, not qualifying for the debate was expected to severely cripple a candidate’s prospects. — Brian Slodysko, chicagotribune.com, "10 of the 20 remaining Democratic presidential candidates made the cut for the next debate," 29 Aug. 2019 The Cavaliers did not qualify for the Division 13 playoffs. — Andrew Turner, Daily Pilot, "Week 1 High School Football Preview: Costa Mesa vs. Santiago," 29 Aug. 2019 This wouldn't qualify as a potential trap game if not for what came next: LSU follows up Auburn with a bye and then the defining matchup of its season with Alabama. — Paul Myerberg, USA TODAY, "The 10 games that could unexpectedly trip up each College Football Playoff contenders," 28 Aug. 2019 One tracking poll this week, from Morning Consult, which does not qualify him for the debate stage, showed him leaping to fifth place in the 21-candidate field, with 6 percent support in those four early states where most of his ads have aired. — Shane Goldmacher, New York Times, "Can $100 Million Buy a Spot at the Debate?," 27 Aug. 2019 Tiger Woods didn't qualify for the conclusion of the FedEx Cup Playoffs and is absent from the final tournament of the season. — David Close, CNN, "Weekend sports guide: College football is back and Little League and PGA Tour crown champions," 23 Aug. 2019 Bennett had also previously challenged Pan in the 2018 primary but did not qualify for the general election. — Beth Mole, Ars Technica, "Anti-vaxxer livestreamed alleged assault on pro-vaccine lawmaker," 22 Aug. 2019 But the main issue here is that many parents don’t qualify for FMLA. — SELF, "Actually, Maternity Leave Is Not a Vacation," 20 Aug. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'qualify.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for qualify
qualify
verb
English Language Learners Definition of qualify
: to give (someone) the necessary skill or knowledge to do a particular job or activity
: to have the necessary skill or knowledge to do a particular job or activity : to have the qualifications to do something
: to pass an exam or complete a course of study that is required in order to do something
See the full definition for qualify in the English Language Learners Dictionary
qualify
verb
qual·i·fy
| \ ˈkwä-lə-ˌfī
\
\
qualified;
qualifying
Kids Definition of qualify
1
: to give the training, skill, or ability needed for a special purpose
His experience qualifies him for the job.
2
: to have or show the skill or ability needed for a special purpose or event
They both qualify for the job.
3
: to narrow down or make less general in meaning
I qualify my statement. Adverbs qualify verbs.
qualify
verb
qual·i·fy
| \ ˈkwä-lə-ˌfī
\
\
qualified;
qualifying
Legal Definition of qualify
1
: to limit or modify in some way
2
: to make or consider eligible or fit
his training and experience qualified him as an expert witness
3
: to issue a certificate or license to
1
: to meet certain requirements or criteria
qualify for a tax credit
2
: to acquire competent power or capacity
has just qualified as a lawyer