qualification

What it means

1. countableuncountableThe act or process of qualifying for a position, achievement etc.First known use 16th c.

   Qualification for this organization is extraordinarily difficult.

2. countableuncountableAn ability or attribute that aids someone's chances of qualifying for something; specifically, completed professional training.First known use 17th c.

   What are your qualifications for this job?

3. UKcountableuncountableA certificate, diploma, or degree awarded after successful completion of a course, training, or exam.

In a sentence

Qualification for this organization is extraordinarily difficult.

Where it comes from

1. Medieval Latinquālificātiō
2. Middle Frenchqualification
3. Englishqualification

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: 16th c.