disqualification: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Technical (Sports/Law)
Quick answer
What does “disqualification” mean?
The act of officially preventing someone from taking part in a competition, election, or activity because they have broken a rule or are not suitable.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of officially preventing someone from taking part in a competition, election, or activity because they have broken a rule or are not suitable.
The condition of being rendered ineligible or unsuitable for a position, privilege, or activity; a factor that makes someone or something unsuitable.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning. British English more commonly uses 'from' after disqualification ('disqualification from driving'), while American also accepts 'for' in contexts like 'disqualification for doping'. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Equally strong connotation of rule-breaking and official sanction in both varieties. Often associated with sports, law, and professional licensing.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English in legal/business contexts (e.g., 'disqualification of a director'). British English shows strong association with motoring offences ('driving disqualification').
Grammar
How to Use “disqualification” in a Sentence
disqualification from [activity/competition]disqualification for [reason]disqualification on the grounds of [reason]disqualification of [person/team]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “disqualification” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The stewards will disqualify any driver who ignores the black flag.
- He was disqualified from the election for submitting fraudulent nomination papers.
American English
- The referee threatened to disqualify the boxer for holding.
- The judge disqualified herself from the case due to a prior connection.
adjective
British English
- The disqualifiable offence was listed in the regulations.
- A disqualifying interest must be declared.
American English
- The use of a performance-enhancing drug is a disqualifying factor.
- She reviewed the disqualifiable conditions for the grant.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to legal restrictions on directors or professionals due to conflict of interest or misconduct. (e.g., 'The director faced disqualification for fraudulent trading.')
Academic
Used in research ethics (e.g., disqualification from a study) or in logic/rhetoric for a fallacious argumentative move.
Everyday
Most commonly used for sports and driving offences. (e.g., 'He got a six-month disqualification for speeding.')
Technical
Specific to sports officiating, legal statutes (e.g., Company Director Disqualification Act), and competition rules.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “disqualification”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “disqualification”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “disqualification”
- Using incorrect preposition: 'disqualification of driving' (incorrect) vs. 'disqualification from driving' (correct). Confusing 'disqualification' (official act) with 'disability' (physical limitation).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While common in sports, it is also standard in legal contexts (e.g., disqualification of a director), driving offences, and competitions of any kind.
Disqualification typically means exclusion from a specific event, competition, or privilege, often as a final penalty. Suspension is usually temporary and can be from a wider range of activities (e.g., school, work). A driving disqualification can be for a set period, functioning like a suspension.
No, 'disqualification' is a noun. The verb form is 'to disqualify' (e.g., 'They disqualified him').
'From' is the most common (disqualification *from* the race). 'For' is used to state the reason (disqualification *for* cheating).
The act of officially preventing someone from taking part in a competition, election, or activity because they have broken a rule or are not suitable.
Disqualification is usually formal, technical (sports/law) in register.
Disqualification: in British English it is pronounced /dɪsˌkwɒl.ɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪsˌkwɑː.lə.fəˈkeɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A disqualification waiting to happen”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'DIS' (not) + 'QUALIFY' (meet the standard) + 'CATION' (the act of) = the act of making someone NOT meet the standard.
Conceptual Metaphor
BARRIER / GATEKEEPING (disqualification is a barrier placed in front of someone, blocking their entry or progress).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely context for the word 'disqualification'?