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

Oz promised to work closely with the equally unqualified conspiracy theorist Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been tapped to head the Department of Health and Human Services, so that's a double helping of kookiness.

From Salon

Beating USC would make Foster’s first season an unqualified success and significantly boost his efforts to bring in the name, image and likeness dollars needed to upgrade the talent on his roster.

From Los Angeles Times

That makes it all the more important that Republicans in the Senate, to preserve their constitutional powers, subject Trump’s nominees to searching scrutiny and reject any that are unqualified, dangerous or both.

From Los Angeles Times

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries added that Kennedy was “completely and totally unqualified” for the position.

From Salon

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

Related Words

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