Definition of Disqualify
Quick Meaning of Disqualify
To officially say that someone cannot do something because they don't meet the requirements or have broken a rule.
Detailed Definition of Disqualify
To declare someone ineligible or unfit for something; to make someone unable to participate or compete.
How to Pronounce Disqualify
Stress pattern: Oooo (4-syllable word).
Tip: Stress the first syllable: DIS-kwol-i-fy. The first 'dis' is stressed; the rest flows quickly.
Watch out: Learners may stress the second syllable (dis-KWAL-i-fy) or mispronounce 'qual' as 'kwal'. Correct: DIS-kwol-i-fy with stress on first syllable.
Origin and Etymology of Disqualify
From prefix 'dis-' (reverse/remove) + 'qualify' (make fit). 'Qualify' comes from Latin 'qualificare' (make fit). Entered English in 16th century.
How to Use Disqualify in a Sentence
Each example shows “disqualify” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The athlete was disqualified from the competition for using banned substances.”
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“A criminal record may disqualify candidates from certain government positions.”
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“Submitting plagiarized work could disqualify you from the scholarship program.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Disqualify
Common Synonyms for Disqualify
Smart Synonyms for Disqualify — When to Use Each
- eliminate
- Remove from consideration; broader use than disqualify
- exclude
- Keep out; less formal than disqualify
- bar
- Prohibit from entering; more legal/formal tone
Common Collocations with Disqualify
These phrases pair with “disqualify” in everyday English:
- disqualify from
- disqualify for
- be disqualified from
- disqualify a candidate
- disqualify from the race
Common Mistakes When Using Disqualify
Even fluent speakers slip up with “disqualify”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: He was disqualified to compete in the tournament.
- ✓ Correct: He was disqualified from competing in the tournament.
- Why: Use 'disqualify from' not 'disqualify to'. 'From' indicates exclusion from participation.
- ✗ Wrong: The evidence disqualifies him to be a judge.
- ✓ Correct: The evidence disqualifies him as a judge. / The evidence disqualifies him from being a judge.
- Why: Use 'as' (role/position) or 'from' (participation), not 'to be'.
- ✗ Wrong: Multiple violations disqualify of him from the competition.
- ✓ Correct: Multiple violations disqualify him from the competition.
- Why: Remove 'of'. The verb takes a direct object: 'disqualify + person + from'.
Other Forms of Disqualify
- Noun: disqualification
- Verb: disqualify
- Adjective: disqualified
Frequently Asked Questions About Disqualify
What is the meaning of "Disqualify"?
To officially say that someone cannot do something because they don't meet the requirements or have broken a rule.
How do you pronounce "Disqualify"?
The IPA is /dɪsˈkwɒlɪfaɪ/. Stress the first syllable: DIS-kwol-i-fy. The first 'dis' is stressed; the rest flows quickly.
What part of speech is "Disqualify"?
"Disqualify" is a verb at C1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Disqualify"?
Common synonyms include eliminate, exclude, bar.
How do you use "Disqualify" in a sentence?
For example: "The athlete was disqualified from the competition for using banned substances."