Word
qualification
Phoneticsqual·i·fi·ca·tion, stress on the fourth syllable
US/ˌkwɑɫəfəˈkeɪʃən/
UK/kwˌɒlɪfɪkˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01professional credential
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. an official record of showing you have finished a course or passed an exam.
n. a certificate, diploma, or degree awarded upon the successful completion of a course of study or a professional examination.
“She has all the right qualifications for the teaching job.”
“The candidate's academic qualifications were impressive, but the board was more interested in her five years of practical experience in the field.”
Usage
Often used in the plural when referring to a person's educational history.
Synonyms
02skill or quality
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a skill, quality, or experience that makes you suitable for a particular job or activity.
n. a quality, ability, or accomplishment that makes a person suitable for a particular position or task.
“Patience is an essential qualification for anyone working with young children.”
“The committee questioned whether his previous leadership roles provided the necessary qualifications to manage a budget of this magnitude.”
Synonyms
03limiting condition
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. a detail or condition that limits a statement and makes it less general.
n. a statement or condition that modifies or limits the meaning of another statement.
“I can recommend him for the promotion, but only with one qualification.”
“The CEO offered her support for the merger, though she added several important qualifications regarding the protection of current staff contracts.”
Usage
Often follows verbs like 'add', 'make', or 'provide'.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “qualification” in context.
Verb
01. gain qualification
“It takes three years of study to gain this qualification.”
verb + noun
02. obtain qualification
“You must obtain a teaching qualification before applying for the job.”
verb + noun
03. qualification entitles
“This qualification entitles you to practice as a registered nurse.”
noun + verb
04. recognize qualification
“Will my overseas qualification be recognized in this country?”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. academic qualification
“Most professional roles require a high-level academic qualification.”
adj + noun
06. formal qualification
“He has plenty of experience but lacks a formal qualification.”
adj + noun
07. minimum qualification
“A high school diploma is the minimum qualification for this position.”
adj + noun
08. necessary qualification
“Do you have the necessary qualification to teach at this level?”
adj + noun
09. professional qualification
“She is studying part-time to gain a professional qualification in accountancy.”
adj + noun
Noun
10. lack of qualification
“His lack of qualification prevented him from getting the promotion.”
noun + prep + noun
11. level of qualification
“The salary depends on your level of qualification and experience.”
noun + prep + noun
12. hold a recognized qualification
“All staff members must hold a recognized qualification in first aid.”
Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French qualification in the 1540s, which in turn derives from Medieval Latin quālificātiō. By surface analysis, qual(ify) + -ification.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/qualification