# disqualification

/dɪsˌkwɑɫəfəˈkeɪʃən/ (US) · /dɪskwˌɒlɪfɪkˈeɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/disqualification
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

the act of stopping someone from taking part in a competition or activity because they broke a rule.

For teachers: the act of declaring someone ineligible for a competition, position, or privilege due to a violation of rules or lack of qualifications.

## Examples

- The runner faced disqualification for starting too early.
- After the judges discovered the athlete had used a banned substance, they announced his immediate disqualification from the tournament.
- The committee ruled that any failure to disclose a conflict of interest would result in the automatic disqualification of the candidate from the selection process.

## Usage notes

- Countable when referring to a specific instance or event; uncountable when referring to the general state or process.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.