Qualifications

[ˌkwɒlɪfɪˈkeɪʃənz]

nounmedium🔥Very CommonCapability
3 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

3 meanings
1

A special skill, knowledge, or ability that enables someone to perform a particular job or activity.

[ˌkwɒlɪfɪˈkeɪʃənz]

nounneutralmedium
Capability

A skill, accomplishment, or other attribute that makes a person suitable for a particular job or task.

The job advertisement listed the necessary qualifications for the position.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying out for the school play. Your qualifications are all the things you can do, like singing, acting, or knowing all the lines. These things make you right for the part!

👶 For kids: Things you've learned or can do that make you good at something.

More Examples

2

Her qualifications included a degree in engineering and several years of experience.

3

He lacked the necessary qualifications to be a doctor.

How It's Used

Employment

"Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for the position."

Education

"She listed her academic qualifications on her resume."

2

A certificate, diploma, or other record that proves someone has completed a course of study or training, or passed an examination.

[ˌkwɒlɪfɪˈkeɪʃənz]

nounneutralmedium
Achievement

A formal accomplishment, such as a degree or diploma, that gives someone the right to do something or to have a particular title.

He proudly displayed his medical qualifications on his office wall.

💡 Simply: Like earning a special sticker for doing a good job. If you study hard and pass your tests, you get a qualification like a diploma that shows you're good at a subject.

👶 For kids: A paper that says you've learned something.

More Examples

2

She earned a qualification in project management.

3

Many companies require specific qualifications for senior management roles.

How It's Used

Education

"She obtained her teaching qualifications after completing her training."

Professional Licensing

"He needs the proper qualifications to practice law in this state."

Tip:These are the official documents that QUALIFY you.
3

A statement that limits or modifies a previous one.

[ˌkwɒlɪfɪˈkeɪʃənz]

nounneutralAdvanced
Limitation

A limiting or modifying statement.

The author made several qualifications to his argument.

💡 Simply: Imagine you say that all dogs are friendly. A qualification would be 'except when they feel threatened'. It's adding a little extra info to make your statement more accurate.

👶 For kids: A little 'but' or 'except' to make something clearer.

More Examples

2

His statement was followed by several important qualifications.

3

The report included qualifications about the reliability of the data.

How It's Used

Legal

"The contract included several qualifications to the original agreement."

General

"He added a few qualifications to his initial statement."

Tip:Something that QUALIFIES or CHANGES the initial statement.

Idioms & expressions

meet the qualifications

To have the necessary skills, experience, and credentials for something.

"She meets the qualifications for the job."

have the qualifications

To possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience for a particular role or task.

"Does he have the qualifications for this position?"

From Middle English qualificacioun, from Old French qualification, from Latin qualificatio (“a qualifying, qualification”), from qualifico (“to qualify”).

The word 'qualifications' has been used in similar contexts since the 17th century, originally referring to limiting statements or conditions before broadening to include skills and credentials.

Memory tip

Think of the skills and experiences needed to QUALIFY for something.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to qualify, characterize"

meet the qualificationshave the qualificationsacademic qualificationsprofessional qualificationsminimum qualifications

Common misspellings

qualifactionsqualificationss

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written