qualification

The story

1. Medieval Latin · derived fromquālificātiō
2. Middle French · borrowed fromqualification
3. English todayqualification

Borrowed from Middle French qualification in the 1540s, which in turn derives from Medieval Latin quālificātiō. By surface analysis, qual(ify) + -ification.

First known use, by meaning

• from 16th c. The act or process of qualifying for a position, achievement etc.
• from 17th c. An ability or attribute that aids someone's chances of qualifying for something; specifically, completed professional training.
• from 16th c. A clause or condition which qualifies something; a modification, a limitation.
• 17th–19th c. A quality or attribute.