adj
overqualified
Overqualified (adj) means having far more skills or qualifications than a job requires. Example: “She was told she was overqualified for the entry-level position.”
adj
1
Having far more skills or qualifications than a job requires.
"She was told she was overqualified for the entry-level position."
How to use overqualified
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishToo skilled or experienced for a particular role.
Common mistake
"Overqualified" often gets used as a polite excuse for not hiring someone — worth knowing it can be a euphemism.
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more overqualified
- Superlative
- most overqualified
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She was told she was _____ for the entry-level position.
Etymology
Built from over- + qualified.
Rhymes for overqualified
See all rhymes for overqualified →Frequently asked questions
What does “overqualified” mean?
The word “overqualified” means having far more skills or qualifications than a job requires. In plain terms, too skilled or experienced for a particular role.
How do you use “overqualified” in a sentence?
Here is “overqualified” used in a sentence: “She was told she was overqualified for the entry-level position.”
What part of speech is “overqualified”?
“Overqualified” is an adjective.
What is the meaning of overqualified?
"overqualified" (adj) means having far more skills or qualifications than a job requires.
