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

Other Word Forms

• unqualifiable adjective
• unqualifiedly adverb
• unqualifiedness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unqualified¹

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

Synonym Study

See absolute.

Example Sentences

He told Carlson he should have “some initial indicator answers” about the causes of autism by September, his original deadline, and promised unqualified answers within another six months.

From Salon

However, what began as layoffs and the appointment of unqualified individuals to positions of authority led to resistance from employees loyal to their agency and their mission.

From Salon

She said the government was taking action to protect people, support honest practitioners and root out the unqualified, dangerous ones, while also reducing the costs to the NHS of fixing botched procedures.

From BBC

Kelly also called former Vice President Kamala Harris “an unqualified political aspirant” because, she baselessly claimed, Harris “actually did sleep her way into and upwards in California politics.”

From Salon

In the weeks following his inauguration in January, he sent a raft of unqualified Cabinet nominees to the Senate; most of them were confirmed.

From Salon

Related Words

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