qualification
kwo-lih-fih-KAY-shuhn
Qualification (noun) means a skill, degree, or credential that shows someone is suitably trained for a role. Example: “She is studying part-time to gain a nursing qualification.”
noun
1
A skill, degree, or credential that shows someone is suitably trained for a role.
"She is studying part-time to gain a nursing qualification."
"A teaching qualification is required for this job."
"Her main qualification for the role was ten years of hands-on experience."
2
A condition or limitation added to a statement to make it more precise or less absolute.
"I support the idea, though with the qualification that it must stay cheap."
"His praise came without qualification, because he loved every minute."
"He agreed to the plan, but with one important qualification."
How to use qualification
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a credential proving someone is fit for a job, or a limiting condition attached to a statement.
Common pairings
professional qualification
meet the qualifications
without qualification
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Word forms
- Plural
- qualifications
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She is studying part-time to gain a nursing _____.
Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French qualification in the 1540s, built on the verb "qualify" plus the noun-forming suffix "-ation."
Class of 1540
qualification joined the language around 1540.
See the full Class of 1540 →
Related words
Rhymes for qualification
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for qualification →
Frequently asked questions
What does “qualification” mean?
The word “qualification” means a skill, degree, or credential that shows someone is suitably trained for a role. In plain terms, either a credential proving someone is fit for a job, or a limiting condition attached to a statement.
How do you pronounce “qualification”?
“Qualification” is pronounced kwo-lih-fih-KAY-shuhn (/ˌkwɑlɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “qualification” in a sentence?
Here is “qualification” used in a sentence: “A teaching qualification is required for this job.”
What part of speech is “qualification”?
“Qualification” is a noun.
Where does the word “qualification” come from?
The word “qualification” dates back to around 1540 and comes from Middle French. Borrowed from Middle French qualification in the 1540s, built on the verb "qualify" plus the noun-forming suffix "-ation.".
Is “qualification” a common word?
“Qualification” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “qualification” have?
“Qualification” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a skill, degree, or credential that shows someone is suitably trained for a role.
What is the difference between a qualification and a degree?
A degree is one specific type of qualification, awarded by a university after completing a course of study. Qualification is a broader term that also covers diplomas, certificates, licences, and other credentials showing someone is trained for a role.
What is the difference between qualifications and experience?
Qualifications are formal credentials such as degrees or certificates that prove training, while experience refers to the practical skills gained by actually doing a job. Employers often weigh both, and one does not automatically substitute for the other.
Does 'qualification' mean the same thing in British and American English?
In British English, "qualifications" very commonly refers to academic and vocational credentials such as degrees, diplomas, and school-leaving certificates. American English uses the word too, but often prefers "credentials" or names the specific degree, and may use "qualifications" more loosely to mean overall suitability for a role.
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