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Definition of disqualify

disqualify

/dɪsˈkwɑːləˌfaɪ/
dis · qual · i · fy
Adjective:disqualified
•
Past Simple:disqualified
•
Past Participle:disqualified
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Present Participle:disqualifying
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disqualify Lexical Profile

disqualify Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To declare someone ineligible for an office, activity, or competition because of an offense, rule violation, or lack of requirements.

Example

"The judges had to disqualify the sprinter after two consecutive false starts."

2

To make someone or something unsuitable or unfit for a particular role, purpose, or task.

Example

"A conflict of interest may disqualify an attorney from representing a client in court."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for disqualify

• Rhymes for disqualify

• Nearby Words

disputer
disqualification
disqualifier
disqualify
disquiet
disquietedly
disquieting

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 17th century from the prefix 'dis-' and the verb 'qualify', which derives through Middle French from Medieval Latin 'qualificare', meaning to attribute a quality to.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Disqualify. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/disqualify
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