Definition

Noun: 1. A condition or requirement that must be met: An attribute, skill, or standard that makes a person suitable for a particular position or task. 2. An official record of achievement: A certificate, diploma, or degree that proves someone has successfully completed a course of study or training. 3. A restriction or modification of a statement: A statement that limits or makes a previous claim less absolute, often by adding a condition or exception.

Examples

• As a condition or requirement:
  • One of the main qualifications for the job is fluency in two languages.
  • She has all the necessary qualifications to be an excellent manager.
• As an official record:
  • He listed his academic qualifications on his CV.
  • The course leads to a professional teaching qualification.
• As a restriction or modification:
  • I agree with your plan, but with one important qualification: we must stay within budget.
  • He praised the proposal, adding the qualification that it would be difficult to implement.

Advanced Usage

• "Without qualification": Used to indicate full and complete agreement or endorsement, with no exceptions or reservations.
  • I can recommend this candidate without qualification.
• "Subject to qualification": Used to indicate that something is true only if certain conditions are met.
  • The data is accurate, subject to the qualification that it was collected from a small sample.

Variants and Related Words

• Qualify (verb): To meet the necessary standard or condition; to add a restriction to a statement.
  • Her experience qualifies her for the promotion.
  • I should qualify my earlier remark by saying it only applies in some cases.
• Qualified (adjective): Having the necessary skills or qualities; limited or modified in some way.
  • She is a qualified engineer.
  • He gave only qualified support to the idea.

Synonyms

• Requirement, condition, prerequisite (for a condition that must be met).
• Credential, certification, diploma (for an official record).
• Reservation, limitation, caveat (for a restriction on a statement).

Related Phrases

• Meet the qualifications: To satisfy the necessary conditions.
  • Only applicants who meet the qualifications will be interviewed.
• Academic/professional qualifications: Formal certifications from educational or training institutions.
  • The position requires specific professional qualifications.

Noun

1. a statement that limits or restricts some claim
   • he recommended her without any reservations
2. the act of modifying or changing the strength of some idea
   • his new position involves a qualification of his party's platform
3. an attribute that must be met or complied with and that fits a person for something
   • her qualifications for the job are excellent
   • one of the qualifications for admission is an academic degree
   • she has the makings of fine musician