a unqualified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a unqualified" is not correct in standard written English. It should be "an unqualified" because "unqualified" begins with a vowel sound. You can use it when describing someone or something that lacks qualifications or restrictions. Example: "He received an unqualified endorsement from the committee." Alternative expressions include "a complete" and "an absolute."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Contemplating the divides that feel deeper and darker -- and potentially more dangerous than ever -- I want to better understand the reasons that led 53% of white women to vote for a unqualified, untested leader who has made an anti-women's rights agenda a stated priority.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In 2011, he called Israel "an unqualified punk, a racist, and a thief".

The New Yorker

When a person uses an unqualified or made-up source of information.

Huffington Post

Mr. Williams offered an unqualified admission and a heartfelt apology.

The New York Times

Neither report offered an unqualified picture of a rebounding factory economy.

The New York Times

Not a single one offered an unqualified "yes".

Huffington Post

For Vietnam, this is a strategic and an emotional victory, but not an unqualified one.

Huffington Post

Both are potential supporters of an overhaul, but neither wants an unqualified public option.

The New York Times

Chelsea's takeover resulted in a revamped city charter and was an unqualified success.

The New York Times

You see, the last decade and a bit hasn't exactly been an unqualified success for them.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Second, they want to see an unqualified statement that Welsh is an official language in Wales.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the article 'an' before "unqualified" because the word begins with the vowel sound /ʌ/. This rule applies regardless of whether the adjective means lacking credentials or absolute.

Common error

Writers sometimes mistakenly use 'a' because the letter 'u' can occasionally represent a consonant sound like in 'university'. However, in "unqualified", the 'u' is a pure vowel, making "a unqualified" an error.

How to use

Learn how to use "a unqualified" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a unqualified" serves as a determiner phrase that is intended to modify a following noun. In standard English, its function is compromised by the incorrect choice of the indefinite article. According to Ludwig AI, the article must agree with the phonological start of the next word.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "a unqualified" is a grammatical mistake that occasionally slips into professional writing. Ludwig AI data shows that while the phrase is found in high-authority sources like the Huffington Post, the vast majority of reliable citations use the correct form: "<a href="/s/an+unqualified" target="_blank" rel="alternative">an unqualified". The error stems from a failure to observe the 'a/an' rule before vowel sounds. Writers should be vigilant, especially when using "unqualified" as an intensifier for nouns like 'success', 'disaster', or 'triumph'. For a more natural and error-free flow, always opt for the vowel-compatible article or choose an alternative like "<a href="/s/a+complete" target="_blank" rel="alternative">a complete".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unqualified

Corrects the indefinite article to match the vowel sound of the adjective

an absolute

Uses a different adjective to emphasize the total nature of a noun

an utter

Provides a more forceful synonym for total or complete

a non-qualified

Uses a hyphenated prefix that allows for the article 'a' due to the 'n' sound

an inexperienced

Focuses specifically on the lack of experience rather than general qualifications

a total

A common alternative for intensification in phrases like a total success

an incompetent

Replaces the adjective with one specifically denoting lack of ability

a sheer

Used as an intensifier for abstract nouns like luck or brilliance

an all-out

Idiomatic expression for a complete or total effort

a poorly qualified

Softens the absolute 'unqualified' with a degree of quality

FAQs

Which is correct, "a unqualified" or "an unqualified"?

The correct form is "<a href="/s/an+unqualified" target="_blank" rel="alternative">an unqualified" because the word starts with a vowel sound.

Why does "a unqualified" appear in some news articles?

Even in high-quality publications, typographical errors occur. Ludwig AI identifies these as slips where the writer failed to adjust the article after choosing the adjective.

What is a better word for "a unqualified success"?

You can use "<a href="/s/a+total+success" target="_blank" rel="alternative">a total success" or "<a href="/s/an+unqualified+success" target="_blank" rel="alternative">an unqualified success" if you want to be formal.

Can I say "a non-qualified person" instead?

Yes, using "<a href="/s/a+non-qualified+person" target="_blank" rel="alternative">a non-qualified person" is grammatically correct and semantically similar.