English Reference

Word

qualified

Phoneticsqual·i·fied, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈkwɑɫəˌfaɪd/

UK/kwˈɒlɪfˌaɪd/

Definitions

01having skills/training

B1 · Intermediate

adj. having the training, experience, or permission you need to do a specific job.

adj. possessing the necessary certifications, skills, or experience required for a specific profession or task.

“She is a highly qualified doctor with over ten years of experience in surgery.”

“The recruitment panel struggled to find a candidate who was sufficiently qualified to manage both the technical and financial aspects of the project.”

Synonyms

certifiedcompetenteligible

Antonyms

unqualifiedunfit

02limited or conditional

C1 · Advanced Formal

adj. limited by certain conditions; not complete or total.

adj. limited, restricted, or modified by conditions; not absolute or wholehearted.

“The plan was a qualified success because it worked, but it cost too much money.”

“The critic gave the performance qualified praise, noting that while the lead actor was brilliant, the script remained underdeveloped.”

Usage

Often used with nouns like 'success', 'support', or 'approval'.

Synonyms

conditionallimitedguarded

Antonyms

absoluteunconditionaltotal

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “qualified” in context.

Verb

01. become qualified

“It takes several years of training to become qualified as a commercial pilot.”

verb + adj

02. feel qualified for the job

“Even though I have the degree, I don't feel qualified for the job yet.”

verb + adj + prep + noun

Adjective

03. highly qualified

“The company is looking for highly qualified candidates with at least five years of experience.”

adv + adj

04. qualified for the position

“She is the most qualified for the position because she has worked in this field for a decade.”

adj + prep + noun

05. qualified to teach

“After finishing his degree, he will be qualified to teach history at the local high school.”

adj + infinitive

Noun

06. qualified success

“The project was a qualified success; we met our goals, but we went over budget.”

adj + noun

07. qualified doctors

This entry

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
Common
Level
B1 · IntermediateOxford
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/qualified
English Reference