# unqualified

/ənˈkwɑɫɪˌfaɪd/ (US) · /ʌnkwˈɒlɪfˌaɪd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unqualified
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

not having the right training, skills, or papers to do a specific job. It can also mean that a feeling or statement is complete and has no doubts or limits.

For teachers: lacking the necessary qualifications or official requirements for a specific task; alternatively, absolute and without any limiting conditions or reservations.

## Examples

- He is unqualified for the manager position.
- The hospital cannot hire unqualified staff to perform surgery because it would be dangerous for the patients.
- The committee gave the new proposal their unqualified support, signaling that they had no reservations about the project's long-term viability.

## Usage notes

- Often used predicatively with 'for' when referring to skills, or attributively to mean 'total' or 'complete'.

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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.