unqualified

[ uhn-kwol-uh-fahyd ]

adjective

1. not qualified; qualify; not fit; lacking requisite qualifications:

   unqualified for the job.

   Synonyms: incompetent, unfit

2. not modified, limited, or restricted in any way; without reservations:

   unqualified praise.

   Synonyms: unmitigated

3. absolute; complete; out-and-out:

   an unqualified liar.

   Synonyms: thorough, downright

unqualified

/ ʌnˈkwɒlɪˌfaɪd /

adjective

1. lacking the necessary qualifications
2. not restricted or modified

   an unqualified criticism

3. usually prenominal (intensifier)

   an unqualified success

Derived Forms

• unˈqualiˌfiedly, adverb
• unˈqualiˌfiable, adjective
• unˈqualiˌfiedness, noun

Other Words From

• un·quali·fia·ble adjective
• un·quali·fiedly adverb
• un·quali·fiedness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unqualified¹

First recorded in 1550–60; un- ¹ + qualified

Synonym Study

See absolute.

Example Sentences

“Pete Hegseth is wholly unqualified to head the Department of Defense and hold the lives of our troops in his hands — period,” Paul Eaton, a former U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

"Not only is she ill-prepared and unqualified, but she traffics in conspiracy theories and cozies up to dictators like Bashar-al Assad and Vladimir Putin," she said.

From BBC

But while being handsome and totally unqualified got Hegseth the job, it's unfair to say those are the only things he brings to the table.

From Salon

It also is designed to prevent corrupt or unqualified nominees in administrations.

From BBC

He is also clearly unqualified, Goldman said, a troubling fact that points to why he was chosen — to “get revenge on generals” and turn the state into his “own personal fiefdom.”

From Salon

Related Words

• inadequate
• incapable
• ineligible
• inexperienced
• unfit
• unprepared
• unskilled