# disqualify

/dɪsˈkwɑɫəˌfaɪ/ (US) · /dɪskwˈɒlɪfˌaɪ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/disqualify
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

to officially remove someone from a competition or a job because they broke the rules or did not meet the requirements.

For teachers: to declare someone ineligible for a position or competition due to a violation of rules or failure to meet standards. Transitive — requires a direct object.

## Examples

- The athlete was disqualified for using banned substances.
- The committee decided to disqualify the candidate after discovering he had lied on his application.
- By failing to submit the necessary documentation on time, the firm was effectively disqualified from the tender process, losing the contract to a smaller competitor.

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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.