qualified

1 of 2

adjective

qual·​i·​fied ˈkwä-lə-ˌfīd How to pronounce qualified (audio)
Synonyms of qualifiednext
1
a
: fitted (as by training or experience) for a given purpose : competent
b
: having complied with the specific requirements or precedent conditions (as for an office or employment) : eligible
2
: limited or modified in some way
qualified approval
qualifiedly
ˈkwä-lə-ˌfī(-ə)d-lē How to pronounce qualified (audio)
adverb

qualified

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of qualify

Synonyms of qualified

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Adjective

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Examples of qualified in a Sentence

Adjective She is highly qualified for the job. I'm not qualified to give you advice about what you should do. She gave a qualified yes to the question. The plan was given qualified approval.
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.
Adjective
Brentford have almost qualified for Europe in the past two seasons. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026 Job center staff play a central role in the certification process, using WOTC as an employer engagement tool to connect businesses with qualified candidates, expand workforce participation and strengthen local economies. — Paul Toomey, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026 This would be possible through the Recreation and Public Purposes Act, which allows the federal government to transfer ownership of public lands to local governments and qualified nonprofit organizations. — Idaho Statesman, 2 Sep. 2026 There’s a great word, kakistocracy, which is a country run by the least-qualified people. — Nate Jones, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for qualified

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1558, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of qualified was in 1558

Phrases Containing qualified

Rhymes for qualified

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Browse Nearby Words

qualificatory
qualified
qualified fee
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Cite this Entry

“Qualified.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/qualified. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

qualified

adjective
qual·​i·​fied ˈkwäl-ə-ˌfīd How to pronounce qualified (audio)
1
: having the necessary qualifications : fitted
2
: limited in some way
a qualified yes to the question

Legal Definition

qualified

adjective
qual·​i·​fied ˈkwä-lə-ˌfīd How to pronounce qualified (audio)
1
: fitted (as by training or experience) for a given purpose or condition
2
a
: being in compliance or accordance with specific requirements or conditions
a qualified voter
b
: eligible under applicable requirements for favorable tax treatment (as exemption of funds from taxation until retirement)
a qualified pension plan
3
: limited or modified in some way : less than absolute
qualifiedly
-ˌfī-əd-lē, -ˌfīd-lē How to pronounce qualified (audio)
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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