unqualified
Definitions
Lacking the skills, training, or credentials needed; not competent
不合格的；无资格的；不胜任的
Without any limits or conditions; total, absolute
无条件的；彻底的；绝对的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedun- (not) + qualified. Because qualified itself has two senses, negating it gives two results. Negate 'competent' → not competent (an unqualified teacher). Negate 'limited by conditions' → having no limits at all = absolute (an unqualified success). Same negation, opposite tones: an insult about a person, a superlative about a result.
Root qual still carries 4 more wordsWhy It Means This
Unqualified is qualified's mirror, and it inherits the same double life. When it negates competence, it is negative: an unqualified applicant has no credentials. When it negates 'having conditions,' it becomes strongly positive: an unqualified success has no conditions, no reservations — it is total, absolute. That is why 'unqualified support' is warmer than 'qualified support': one has no strings, the other has strings. Read the noun beside it to know whether it is an insult or the highest praise.
Usage Guide
- Not competent: 'an unqualified driver / unqualified to comment' — negative, about people or ability
- Absolute / total: 'an unqualified success, unqualified support, unqualified praise' — strongly positive, about results and feelings
- Note the reversal vs qualified: with abstract nouns, unqualified is the stronger, more enthusiastic choice (unqualified support > qualified support).
Example Sentences
- 1.
He is completely unqualified to run a company this size.
- 2.
The launch was an unqualified success by every measure.
- 3.
She offered her unqualified support for the new policy.
- 4.
Hiring an unqualified candidate put the whole project at risk.