English Reference
noun · adjective

qualifying

n. · adj.
US /ˈkwɑɫəˌfaɪɪŋ/ UK /kwˈɒlɪfˌaɪɪŋ/ qual·i·fy·ing

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

    n.a preliminary race or game that decides if a player can enter a tournament or where they will start.

    n.a preliminary round of competition used to determine which participants qualify for the main event or to establish their starting positions.

    Simple

    He drove the fastest lap during qualifying, so he will start the race in first place.

    In context

    The driver secured pole position after a flawless performance in Saturday's qualifying, despite the unpredictable weather conditions on the track.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced AcademicFormal

    n.an exam or a specific condition you must meet to reach the next level of study or a job.

    n.an evaluative process or set of criteria that must be satisfied to progress to a higher professional or academic status.

    Simple

    She is busy studying for her doctoral qualifying exams this month.

    In context

    The board introduced more rigorous qualifying standards to ensure that only the most capable candidates could proceed to the final interview stage.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.used to describe something that allows you to enter or join something else.

    adj.functioning as an attributive adjective to describe rounds, matches, or criteria that lead to a final selection.

    Simple

    The team won their qualifying match and will now play in the World Cup.

    In context

    The athlete failed to meet the qualifying time by only a fraction of a second, ending her hopes for the Olympic Games.

    preliminaryevaluative

She shot a final-round 65 to win a regional qualifying event in February to reach the NWS Women's Open on the Ladies European Tour, where she missed the cut.

BBC News· 14 Aug 2026

Dan Bent celebrates after converting a penalty against Tre Fiori in the Champions League first qualifying round in July.

The Guardian· 17 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated