qualifying
n. uncountable B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈkwɑɫəˌfaɪɪŋ// UK //kwˈɒlɪfˌaɪɪŋ// qual·i·fy·ing
n. a competition or race that decides if a person or team can enter a main event. You must perform well here to move to the next stage.
n. a preliminary round or competition held to determine which participants are eligible to progress to the final or main event.
The team is training hard for the Olympic qualifying next week.
After a disappointing performance in the first round of qualifying, the driver started the race from the back of the grid.
The tension during the final minutes of qualifying was palpable, as even a fraction of a second could mean the difference between competing for the trophy or going home.