Translation guide
Expresses that someone or something lacks the necessary qualifications, standards, or conditions. Covers both formal contexts (certifications, job requirements) and informal judgments (completely, utterly).
To say that a person does not have the required license, degree, certification, or formal status to do something.
He is not qualified to be a doctor.
You cannot apply for this job if you are not qualified.
A noun meaning 'unqualified' or 'without qualifications'. Often used in formal or legal contexts.
Providing legal advice without qualifications is prohibited.
Specifically for lacking a license (e.g., driver's license, professional license).
I don't have a driver's license, so I can't drive.
To say that someone or something is not good enough or does not meet the necessary conditions for a role, task, or purpose.
Means 'not suitable for the position/role'. Focuses on lack of aptitude or suitability rather than formal qualifications.
I don't think he is qualified to be the leader.
Literally 'does not meet the conditions'. Used when specific requirements (age, experience, etc.) are not met.
A formal noun meaning 'disqualification' or 'ineligibility'. Often used in official contexts.
To emphasize that something is absolute or total, often used with words like success, failure, or approval.
Means 'unconditional'. Used to describe something given or done without any conditions or reservations.
He promised unqualified support.
Means 'complete' or 'perfect'. Can be used to translate 'unqualified' in phrases like 'unqualified success'.
Means 'utter' or 'complete'. Often used with negative outcomes like failure or disaster.
It was an unqualified failure.
資格がない is about objective, often legally defined qualifications (licenses, degrees). 適任ではない is about subjective suitability or aptitude for a role. Use 資格がない for formal requirements, and 適任ではない for personal judgment of capability.
He is not qualified to be a lawyer (no license).
He is not suited to be a teacher (lacks aptitude).
English uses 'unqualified' as an adverb in phrases like 'I unqualifiedly recommend...'. Japanese does not have a direct adverbial equivalent. Instead, use adverbs like 全面的に (ぜんめんてきに, 'fully') or 心から (こころから, 'wholeheartedly').
The applicant did not meet the necessary requirements.
彼は年齢制限により不適格とされた。
He was deemed ineligible due to age restrictions.
The plan was an unqualified success.