qualified

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

Synonyms of qualified

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Examples of qualified in a Sentence

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.
After Senegal qualified for this year’s World Cup, Sow planned to attend. — Albert Samaha, New Yorker, 6 July 2026 In college football last year, an 8-4 Iowa team that had no notable wins would’ve qualified for a 24-team playoff. — Chris Vannini, New York Times, 6 July 2026 After visiting your website, could a qualified buyer explain your value proposition in their own words, without talking to anyone on your team? — Suyash Karn, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 In total, the 41 movies are expected to generate $544 in qualified expenditures, according to the film commission. — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for qualified

Word History

First Known Use

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 10 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on qualified

Nglish: Translation of qualified for Spanish Speakers

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