adjective
unqualified
Unqualified (adjective) means not having the necessary skills, training, or credentials. Example: “He felt unqualified for the promotion and turned it down.”
adjective
1
Not having the necessary skills, training, or credentials.
"He felt unqualified for the promotion and turned it down."
2
Complete and without restriction or exception.
"The critics gave the film their unqualified praise."
How to use unqualified
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither lacking the right qualifications, or, in the opposite sense, total and unrestricted.
Common mistake
Note the two very different meanings: "unqualified for the job" (not skilled enough) versus "unqualified success" (a total, complete success).
Common pairings
unqualified success
unqualified for the role
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like unqualified.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Comparative
- more unqualified
- Superlative
- most unqualified
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He felt _____ for the promotion and turned it down.
Etymology
From un- + qualified.
Synonyms
View more →
incompetent
unentitled
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for unqualified
See all rhymes for unqualified →Frequently asked questions
What does “unqualified” mean?
The word “unqualified” means not having the necessary skills, training, or credentials. In plain terms, either lacking the right qualifications, or, in the opposite sense, total and unrestricted.
How do you use “unqualified” in a sentence?
Here is “unqualified” used in a sentence: “He felt unqualified for the promotion and turned it down.”
What part of speech is “unqualified”?
“Unqualified” is an adjective.
How many meanings does “unqualified” have?
“Unqualified” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: not having the necessary skills, training, or credentials.
