Definition

1. Verb:
   • To declare ineligible or unfit: To officially state that someone or something does not meet the required standards or rules for a position, competition, or activity.
   • To make unsuitable or unfit: To deprive of a right, privilege, or status due to a characteristic, action, or circumstance.

Usage and Examples

• Verb:
  • The referee had to disqualify the boxer for a low blow. (The referee officially removed the boxer from the competition for breaking a rule.)
  • A criminal record can disqualify you from certain jobs. (Having a criminal record can make you ineligible for certain types of employment.)
  • The committee voted to disqualify the application due to missing documents. (The committee decided the application was invalid because required papers were not included.)

Advanced Usage

• "to disqualify oneself": To act in a way that makes oneself ineligible, often by having a conflict of interest.
  • The judge had to disqualify herself from the case because she knew the defendant. (The judge removed herself from presiding over the case due to a personal connection.)
• "to be disqualified from": The common passive construction describing the state of being ruled ineligible.
  • The athlete was disqualified from the race for a false start. (The athlete was not allowed to compete in the race because they started too early.)

Variants and Related Words

• Disqualification (n): The act of disqualifying or the state of being disqualified.
  • The disqualification of the team was a controversial decision.
• Disqualified (adj): Describing someone or something that has been ruled ineligible.
  • The disqualified candidate appealed the decision.

Synonyms

• Bar: To officially prevent someone from doing something.
• Exclude: To deny someone access or participation.
• Rule out: To eliminate as a possibility or candidate.
• Invalidate: To make something legally or officially unacceptable.

Antonyms

• Qualify: To meet the necessary conditions or standards.
• Eligible: Having the right to do or obtain something.
• Allow: To permit someone to participate.

Related Phrases and Constructions

• Grounds for disqualification: The specific reasons or rules that justify being disqualified.
  • Cheating is clear grounds for disqualification from the exam.
• Automatic disqualification: A removal that happens immediately as a consequence of a specific action, without needing further judgment.
  • A positive drug test results in automatic disqualification.

Verb

1. declare unfit
   • She was disqualified for the Olympics because she was a professional athlete
2. make unfit or unsuitable
   • Your income disqualifies you