# qualified

/ˈkwɑɫəˌfaɪd/ (US) · /kwˈɒlɪfˌaɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/qualified
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. having skills/training

adjective · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. limited or conditional

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

limited by certain conditions; not complete or total.

For teachers: 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'.

## Examples

- She studied hard and finally qualified as a doctor.
- After winning their final match of the season, the local team qualified for the national championships.
- Although he had years of practical experience in the field, he still needed to pass the state exam to be legally qualified to practice.

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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.