Qualifications Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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qualifications
[ˌkwɒlɪfɪˈkeɪʃənz ]
Definitions
job application
A list of the achievements, skills, experience, and credentials that a person has which make them suitable for a particular job or position.
Synonyms
certification, credentials, skills.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| qualifications |
Used to describe educational achievements or professional accomplishments that make someone suitable for a particular job or activity.
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| credentials |
General term for evidence of someone's authority, status, or achievements, often used in professional or academic contexts.
|
| certification |
Refers to an official document or credential that verifies an individual has passed specific examinations or courses.
|
| skills |
Refers to specific abilities or expertise acquired through training or experience.
|
Examples of usage
- I have a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, which is one of my qualifications for this position.
- Her qualifications include five years of experience in marketing and a certification in digital marketing.
- The job posting requires a minimum of three years of relevant work experience as a qualification.
education
The standards or requirements needed to obtain a degree, diploma, or certificate from an educational institution.
Synonyms
criteria, prerequisites, requirements.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| qualifications |
Refers to the necessary skills, knowledge, or experience needed for a particular job or activity.
|
| requirements |
Refers to the necessary conditions or specifications needed for something to be done or achieved.
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| prerequisites |
Refers to the courses, experience, or conditions that must be fulfilled before enrolling in a course or before undertaking a specific activity.
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| criteria |
Refers to the standards or principles by which something is judged or decided.
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Examples of usage
- The qualifications for admission to the program include a high school diploma and a personal essay.
- She completed all the necessary qualifications to graduate with honors.
ability
A quality or attribute that makes someone suitable for a particular task or role.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| qualifications |
Used to refer to the official credentials or degrees someone has obtained often required for a job or school.
|
| skills |
Refers to the proficiency or expertise someone has developed through practice and training.
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| abilities |
Refers to someone's physical or mental capacity to perform tasks or activities.
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| aptitude |
Describes someone's natural talent or tendency to excel in a particular area, often used in educational and recruitment settings.
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Examples of usage
- Her leadership skills are one of her key qualifications for the position.
- Good communication skills are essential qualifications for customer service roles.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Education
- Various qualifications, such as diplomas and degrees, serve as formal recognition of learning and competency.
- Professional qualifications can help individuals stand out in competitive job markets and demonstrate expertise in specific fields.
- Qualifications can vary widely in terms of level, from basic certificates to advanced degrees.
Career Development
- In many professions, having the right qualifications is essential to meeting legal or industry standards, like being certified to practice medicine.
- Soft skills, such as communication and teamwork, are increasingly being recognized as essential qualifications alongside technical abilities.
- Lifelong learning and acquiring new qualifications is becoming a norm to keep up with rapid changes in various sectors, especially technology.
Cultural Perspectives
- In some cultures, educational qualifications are viewed as a significant source of prestige and respect.
- Certain countries have differing views on formal qualifications, where hands-on experience may sometimes be valued more than academic degrees.
- The emphasis on qualifications can also result in pressures on individuals to pursue lengthy education pathways rather than alternative forms of experience.
Pop Culture
- In films and TV shows, characters often embark on 'qualifying journeys' where they prove their worth through tests or challenges.
- Reality TV often showcases contestants using their 'qualifications' to withstand challenges that require specific skills or knowledge.
- Some songs and books reflect the struggle for acceptance based on qualifications, highlighting personal growth and capability.
Origin of 'qualifications'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'qualificare', meaning 'to make of a certain quality.'
- In English, it began being used around the 15th century, originally referring to characteristics or attributes.
- The prefix 'qual-' is linked to qualities or characteristics, while the suffix '-fication' denotes the action of making.
The word 'qualifications' originated from the Latin word 'qualificare', which means 'to attribute a quality to'. Over time, it evolved to refer to the achievements, skills, or attributes that qualify a person for a particular job or position. The concept of qualifications has been integral to the recruitment and educational systems, helping individuals demonstrate their suitability and competence in various fields.
See also: disqualification, disqualify, qualification, qualified, qualifier, qualifying, unqualified.