disqualify

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /dɪsˈkwɒlɪfaɪ/

KK: /dɪsˈkwɑːlɪfaɪ/

transitive verb

Definition

To declare someone or something not qualified or not eligible for a position, competition, or privilege.

Example

The referee decided to disqualify the player for breaking the rules.

Tense Forms

Past: disqualified

Past Participle: disqualified

Conversation

Did you hear they might disqualify that player from the tournament?

Yeah, I read about it; it's so unfair!

I hope they reconsider, it would be a shame to disqualify him over a small mistake.

Totally! Everyone deserves a second chance, especially in sports.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

invalidate

disbar

exclude

Antonyms

qualify

permit

allow

Root Explanation

Disqualify → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart or away) and "qualis" (meaning of what kind or quality). The word "disqualify" means to take away someone's qualification or to declare them unfit for a certain role or task.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'taken away' ('dis-') from a certain 'quality' ('qualis') — that's why disqualify means to remove someone's eligibility.

Visually Confused Words

misqualify