disqualifies

Disqualifies is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb disqualify. To disqualify someone is to declare them ineligible to participate in a competition, process, or activity, or to render something invalid under the applicable rules. A disqualification can result from rule violations, ethical breaches, safety concerns, or procedural irregularities and may lead to forfeiture of prizes, exclusion from rounds, or nullification of outcomes.

Contexts and usage

In sports, officials disqualify athletes for doping, use of prohibited equipment, or unsportsmanlike conduct. In examinations or professional qualifications, candidates can be disqualified for cheating, plagiarism, or failing to meet prerequisites. In elections or public offices, disqualification can occur due to unmet eligibility criteria, such as age or residency, or other disqualifying legal provisions. In legal settings, evidence or testimony can be disqualified if obtained improperly or in violation of rules of procedure.

Etymology and form

Disqualify originates from the prefix dis- meaning apart, combined with qualify, from Latin qualis. The term has been used in English to describe removal from eligibility since the early modern period. The noun form is disqualification, and related verbs include disqualify and its other conjugations (disqualifies, disqualified, disqualifying).

Notes

Disqualification, rather than disqualification alone, may be used to refer to the status or consequence of being disqualified, whereas disqualifies denotes the act performed by a rulemaker or authority. The exact implications of a disqualification depend on the governing rules of the relevant domain.