disqualify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disqualify" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of declaring someone or something ineligible or unfit for a particular role, competition, or situation. Example: "The referee had to disqualify the player for unsportsmanlike conduct during the game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If we have reason to believe your entry is in breach of this paragraph 10 then we may not consider it and may disqualify it.

The Guardian

The draft protection of charities bill – currently being scrutinised by the joint committee – proposes new powers for the commission, including the ability to issue official warnings, to disqualify trustees for up to 15 years or suspend them for up to two years, and to forcibly close charities and transfer their assets.

The Guardian

Southwood will hear the application that he disqualify himself in the Darwin supreme court on Friday.

The Guardian

Sometimes they defiantly adopt the very label that is meant to disqualify them: both Marine Le Pen and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán went on record saying that, yes, they are populists – if populism means defending the people (and, in Le Pen's case, "those who are forgotten" in particular).

The Guardian - Opinion

Mario Yepes (Colombia) He is exhibit A in the argument that age doesn't have to immediately disqualify a player.

The Guardian - Sport

The UCI refused to disqualify those riders as the rules clearly state, citing their difficulty in identifying the offenders.

The Guardian - Sport

We may disqualify your Competition entry for the following reasons: your entry does not comply with these Terms and Conditions; you have not obtained the consents detailed in paragraphs 1, 11 and 12 above; you are not eligible to enter the Competition; or you cannot be contacted.

The Guardian

I am keen on open access advocacy not to be seen as a "movement" because in conservative rhetoric it is used to disqualify it as some kind of insurgent phenomenon.

The Guardian

This shrewd complicity with empire doesn't, of course, disqualify Scots from a separate nation-state today.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hidden skills ReprintsThat aside, the Guardians now have the right to disqualify any candidate who has ever been associated with an "illegal group".

The Economist

One gives states the power to disqualify people of "any race" from voting in state elections.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "disqualify", clearly state the reason for disqualification to avoid ambiguity and ensure fairness. For example, instead of just saying "The candidate was disqualified", specify "The candidate was disqualified due to a conflict of interest".

Common error

Avoid using "disqualify" based on vague or subjective criteria. Ensure that the reasons for disqualification are objective, measurable, and clearly defined in advance. For instance, do not "disqualify" someone simply because they "lack experience"; instead, specify the minimum years of experience required.

Linguistic Context

The verb "disqualify" functions as a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. It signifies the act of rendering someone or something ineligible for a particular role, competition, or situation. Ludwig provides examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "disqualify" is a versatile transitive verb used to denote the act of making someone or something ineligible for a particular purpose. As Ludwig AI points out, its usage is grammatically correct and very common across various contexts, especially in news, sports, and formal business settings. When using "disqualify", ensure that the reasons for the action are clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. Related terms such as "render ineligible" or "invalidate" can be used as alternatives, depending on the specific context. The formal to neutral register makes it suitable for official announcements and professional discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Declare ineligible

Emphasizes the formal announcement of someone's ineligibility.

Render ineligible

Focuses on the action of making someone ineligible, emphasizing the resulting state.

Make unfit

Focuses on the act of making someone unsuitable or not qualified.

Debar from participation

Emphasizes preventing someone from taking part in an activity or event.

Disentitle

Highlights the act of depriving someone of a right or entitlement.

Invalidate candidacy

Specifically refers to making a candidacy invalid, narrower in scope than "disqualify".

Incapacitate

Suggests to make someone unable to perform a task, or be in a situation.

Preclude from competing

Highlights the aspect of preventing someone from engaging in a competition.

Remove from consideration

Suggests that someone or something is no longer being considered.

Rule out

A more general phrase that suggests eliminating someone or something as a possibility.

FAQs

How is "disqualify" used in a sentence?

The word "disqualify" is used to indicate that someone or something is made ineligible for a particular purpose or activity. For instance, "The athlete was disqualified from the competition after failing the drug test."

What are some alternatives to using "disqualify"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "render ineligible", "invalidate", or "preclude".

Is it better to say "disqualify" or "exclude"?

"Disqualify" implies a removal of eligibility based on a specific rule or criterion, whereas "exclude" is a more general term for preventing someone or something from participating. Use "disqualify" when a specific rule has been broken, and "exclude" when simply preventing participation.

What's the difference between "disqualify" and "eliminate"?

"Disqualify" means to make someone ineligible, usually due to a specific rule violation or lack of qualification. "Eliminate", on the other hand, means to remove someone from contention, often in a progressive process like a tournament. While both can lead to someone not participating, "disqualify" implies a specific reason for ineligibility.