Meaning & use

disqualify

verb·Academic

To officially prevent someone from participating or winning because they broke a rule or lack a requirement.

See it in a sentence

The runner was disqualified after officials confirmed she had stepped outside her lane.

A prior conviction can disqualify an applicant from certain government security positions.

A note on using this word

Disqualify is common in sports and formal competitions, and in legal or administrative contexts involving eligibility.

Words with a similar meaning

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Words with an opposite meaning

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