Reuters | August 15, 2023
"Olympic medalist disqualified after failing drug test."
Unqualified vs. Disqualified
The '30 Seconds' Difference At A Glance
'Unqualified' means lacking the required qualifications or never having had them. 'Disqualified' means being removed from eligibility after previously being qualified or eligible.
The unqualified applicant never met the basic requirements, while the champion was disqualified for breaking competition rules.
A Deeper Look
'Unqualified' means you don't have the right qualifications or skills for something - you never had them in the first place.
He was unqualified for the job because he'd never learned to drive.
You're unqualified to teach maths without a degree in the subject.
'Disqualified' means you had a chance but lost it - you were in the running but got removed for some reason.
The runner was disqualified for starting before the gun.
She was disqualified from the competition for breaking the rules.
Common Usage Patterns
Unqualified
Common phrases: unqualified candidate, unqualified opinion, unqualified success, unqualified praise, unqualified person
Disqualified
Common phrases: disqualified from competition, disqualified for misconduct, disqualified entry, disqualified athlete, disqualified driver
Key Patterns
'Unqualified' often describes initial status. 'Disqualified' typically involves an event or action that changes status.
What Teachers Say
"In professional contexts, being unqualified means you don't meet requirements from the start. Being disqualified means you lost eligibility you once had."
-- Rachel, London
"The prefix 'dis-' suggests removal or reversal - think of it as being removed from qualified status. 'Un-' suggests never having had that status."
-- Mark, Sydney
"In legal writing, these distinctions matter. An unqualified juror never met requirements; a disqualified juror was removed for cause."
-- Daniel, Chicago
From The Headlines
The Washington Post | May 22, 2018
"Report reveals unqualified staff hired at federal agencies."
BBC News | September 8, 2013
"Formula One driver disqualified for ignoring yellow flags."
Test Yourself!
1. The candidate was _______ for the position because they lacked a college degree.
2. The team was _______ from the tournament for fielding an ineligible player.
3. The _______ instructor couldn't teach the course, while another teacher was _______ for missing certification deadlines.
