qualification
gb/kwˌɑləfɪkˈeɪʃən/ us/kwˌɑləfɪkˈeɪʃən/
B1
English
~ 2400
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
Condition or skill needed
Something you need to have or be able to do to get a job or take part in something.
Usage pattern:
[someone] has [a/an] qualification in [field]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'qualification' with 'quality'. 'Qualification' refers to requirements met or skills, not how good something is.
Synonyms
credential (Often used in professional or academic contexts to refer to proof of qualifications.)
Antonyms
disqualification (Means the state of being made ineligible or unsuitable for something.)
Collocations
academic qualification
|professional qualification
|minimum qualification
|entry qualification
|teaching qualification
Themes
education
|employment
|certification
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- You need a teaching qualification to work in most schools.
- Her qualifications include a degree in engineering and five years of experience.
- Fluency in Spanish is a desirable qualification for this position.
- He listed his academic qualifications on his résumé.
- The job has no formal qualifications, but experience is preferred.
Learner examples
- I have a qualification in nursing.
- You need a qualification to be a teacher.
- He got his qualification last year.
- She has many qualifications for the job.
Noun
B2
entity
2
Limiting condition on statement
A small change or limit added to a statement to make it more exact or less general.
Usage pattern:
[statement] with [a/an] qualification
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this sense with 'requirement'—here it means a limit on a statement, not an eligibility condition.
Synonyms
restriction (Focuses more on limiting something rather than clarifying it.)
Antonyms
unqualified statement (A statement made without any limitations or conditions.)
Collocations
important qualification
|slight qualification
|with the qualification that
Themes
communication
|logic
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I agree with you, but with one important qualification.
- His support came with the qualification that funding must be increased.
- The proposal was accepted with some qualifications from the board.
- She praised the plan, adding a few qualifications about its cost.
- We endorse the policy, subject to certain qualifications.
Learner examples
- I agree, but with one qualification.
- He supports it, with the qualification that it is safe.
- They like the idea, with some qualifications.
Noun
formal
B2
action
3
Process of becoming eligible
The process of getting the skills or certificates you need for a job or activity.
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s qualification for [something]
Synonyms
certification (Often used when referring to official documents proving eligibility.)
Antonyms
disqualification (The process of being declared ineligible.)
Collocations
period of qualification
|qualification process
|qualification requirements
Themes
education
|employment
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Her qualification for the competition took several months of training.
- The qualification process for pilots is rigorous.
- Successful completion of the course will result in your qualification for advanced study.
- They discussed the athlete's qualification for the finals.
- Qualification for membership requires passing two exams.
Learner examples
- He finished his qualification for the race.
- The qualification takes two years of study.
- She worked hard for her qualification.
Grammar
Dictionary form
qualification
IPA
GB/kwˌɑləfɪkˈeɪʃən/
US/kwˌɑləfɪkˈeɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
qual - i - fic - a - tion (5 syllables)
Stress on 4th syllable (a)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: qualification
- Plural: qualification, qualifications
Word family
Forms
qualifications
noun
Core family
qualify
verb B1
qualified
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
Advanced or less common
qualifier
noun
Expressions
academic qualifications
1/ˌækədˈɛmɪk kwˌɑləfɪkˈeɪʃənz/
fixed phrase
Recognized educational achievements
The degrees, diplomas, or certificates you have from school or university.
Examples
- Employers often look at your academic qualifications first.
- Her academic qualifications include a master's degree in biology.
professional qualifications
1/pɹəfˈɛʃənəl kwˌɑləfɪkˈeɪʃənz/
fixed phrase
Recognized professional achievements
Certificates or licenses that show you can work in a certain job or profession.
Examples
- You need professional qualifications to become a lawyer.
- His professional qualifications are impressive.
with the qualification that
1/wˈɪθ ðə kwˌɑləfɪkˈeɪʃən ðˈæt/
fixed phrase
formal
Adding a limiting condition
Used when adding a limit or special condition to what you just said.
Examples
- I support the plan, with the qualification that it stays within budget.
- She agreed, with the qualification that she could leave early.