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
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Adjective
First, the bill would let the Health and Human Services secretary determine which additional practitioners are qualified to prescribe methadone for opioid use disorder. — Yashaswini Singh, The Conversation, 28 Oct. 2026 Cam Ward ranks 21st among 35 qualified QBs in passing yards, and the Titans rank 32nd in scoring. — Jonathan Rubin, Charlotte Observer, 28 Oct. 2026 Stable hands qualified for food stamps; one squire was reportedly living in his car. — Alessandra Schade, Vanity Fair, 28 Oct. 2026 Historically, only the top four finishers in reach region qualified. — Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 27 Oct. 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 1 Nov. 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
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