Qualifying
ˈkwɒlɪfaɪɪŋ
Definitions
2 meaningsTo meet the necessary requirements to be considered for something, especially in a competitive context.
ˈkwɒlɪfaɪ
To meet the necessary requirements to enter a competition or to do something.
She qualified for the Olympic Games after winning the national trials.
💡 Simply: Imagine you want to join a club. To 'qualify', you need to show you're a good fit, like having the right skills or following the rules. If you qualify, you're in!
👶 For kids: To show that you are good enough to do something like join a team or play a game.
More Examples
Candidates must qualify for the exam by achieving a certain score.
The new regulations are designed to qualify more people for financial aid.
How It's Used
"The team must win the next game to qualify for the playoffs."
"He needs to qualify for the job by completing his certification."
Serving or able to qualify; having the necessary qualities or characteristics.
ˈkwɒlɪfaɪɪŋ
Having the necessary attributes or credentials.
The qualifying exam determines who can enter the advanced program.
💡 Simply: It's like saying someone or something is 'qualified' or good enough. Like, 'a qualifying score' means a score that makes you good enough to go on to the next round.
👶 For kids: Being good enough to do something, like a game or a test.
More Examples
We need to find a qualifying sponsor for the event.
She received a qualifying score on the entrance test.
How It's Used
"She is a qualifying candidate for the scholarship."
"The qualifying conditions for the offer were clearly stated."
Idioms & expressions
qualifying round
A preliminary competition or event to determine who will participate in a main event.
"The athlete easily advanced through the qualifying round to the finals."
qualifying offer
A proposal or opportunity that is subject to certain conditions being met.
"The company made a qualifying offer to the candidate, pending successful background checks."
From the verb 'qualify', which comes from the Latin 'qualificare', meaning 'to make fit or suitable'. The word evolved through Old French.
Used in similar contexts as today, but with increasing frequency in sports and competition as formal events became more prevalent in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Memory tip
Think of 'qualifying' as proving you have the 'qualities' needed to participate.
Word Origin
"to make fit or suitable"