unqualified

/ənˈkwɑlɪfaɪd/

/ənˈkwɒlɪfaɪd/

If you're unqualified for something, you're not cut out to do it, often because you don't have the skills or knowledge you need. A dog trainer is most likely unqualified to perform brain surgery.

The adjective unqualified is good for describing someone who isn't fit for a task or job. You wouldn't want an unqualified dentist to fill your cavity, and an unqualified babysitter might not even know how to change a diaper or put a bandage on a scraped elbow. Another way people can be unqualified is when they lack some necessary document — you're unqualified to teach in a public school, for example, without a state teaching certificate.

Definitions of unqualified

1. adjective

   not meeting the proper standards and requirements and training
   synonyms:

   incompetent

   not qualified or suited for a purpose

   ineligible

   not eligible

   quack

   medically unqualified

   antonyms:

   qualified

   meeting the proper standards and requirements and training for an office or position or task

   competent

   properly or sufficiently qualified or capable or efficient

   eligible

   qualified for or allowed or worthy of being chosen

   well-qualified

   more than adequately qualified
2. adjective

   legally not qualified or sufficient
   “a wife is usually considered unqualified to testify against her husband”

   synonyms: incompetent
3. adjective

   having no right or entitlement
   synonyms: unentitled

   ineligible

   not eligible
4. adjective

   not limited or restricted
   “an unqualified denial”

   synonyms:

   unconditional, unconditioned

   not conditional

   unmodified

   not changed in form or character

   categoric, categorical, flat, unconditional

   not modified or restricted by reservations

   clean, clear

   free of restrictions or qualifications

   cool

   (used of a number or sum) without exaggeration or qualification

   outright, straight-out, unlimited

   without reservation or exception

   antonyms:

   qualified

   limited or restricted; not absolute

   conditional

   imposing or depending on or containing a condition

   modified

   changed in form or character

   conditional

   qualified by reservations

   hedged, weasel-worded

   evasively worded in order to avoid an unqualified statement

   limited, modified

   mediocre