Definitions Related words Mentions History Colors (New!)

Literary notes about Disqualify (AI summary)

In literature, "disqualify" is employed to express the idea of rendering someone or something unfit or ineligible, though its nuances can vary by context. For example, in Conrad's work, the term suggests that certain imperfections do not necessarily undermine a person's worth or potential, as nothing could truly render her unacceptable [1]. On the other hand, Conan Doyle's use of the word reflects a more critical approach—identifying faults in candidates that directly exclude them from consideration [2]. This contrast underlines how authors can adapt the term to either defend or denounce suitability within various narrative contexts.
  1. In fact, it did not by any means disqualify her.
    — from The Secret Agent: A Simple Tale by Joseph Conrad
  2. He said a few words to each candidate as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in them which would disqualify them.
    — from The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle

More usage examples

Also see: Google, News, Images, Wikipedia, Reddit, BlueSky


Home   Reverse Dictionary / Thesaurus   Datamuse   Word games   Spruce   Feedback   Dark mode   Random word   Help


Color thesaurus

Use OneLook to find colors for words and words for colors

See an example

Literary notes

Use OneLook to learn how words are used by great writers

See an example

Word games

Try our innovative vocabulary games

Play Now

Read the latest OneLook newsletter issue: Threepeat Redux