The difference between Disqualify and Forfeit

When used as verbs, disqualify means to make ineligible for something, whereas forfeit means to suffer the loss of something by wrongdoing or non-compliance.


Forfeit is also noun with the meaning: a penalty for or consequence of a misdemeanor.

Forfeit is also adjective with the meaning: lost or alienated for an offense or crime.

check bellow for the other definitions of Disqualify and Forfeit

  1. Disqualify as a verb (transitive):

    To make ineligible for something.

    Examples:

    "My age disqualifies me for the position."

  2. Disqualify as a verb (transitive):

    To exclude from consideration by the explicit revocation of a previous qualification.

    Examples:

    "The athlete was disqualified after performance-enhancing drugs were found in his hotel room."

  1. Forfeit as a noun:

    A penalty for or consequence of a misdemeanor.

    Examples:

    "That he our deadly forfeit should release'' (John Milton, ''On the Morning of Christ's Nativity'', 1629)"

  2. Forfeit as a noun:

    A thing forfeited; that which is taken from somebody in requital of a misdeed committed; that which is lost, or the right to which is alienated, by a crime, breach of contract, etc.

    Examples:

    "He who murders pays the forfeit of his own life."

  3. Forfeit as a noun:

    Something deposited and redeemable by a sportive fine as part of a game.

  4. Forfeit as a noun (obsolete, rare):

    Injury; wrong; mischief.

  1. Forfeit as a verb:

    To suffer the loss of something by wrongdoing or non-compliance

    Examples:

    "He forfeited his last chance of an early release from jail by repeatedly attacking another inmate."

  2. Forfeit as a verb:

    To lose a contest, game, match, or other form of competition by voluntary withdrawal, by failing to attend or participate, or by violation of the rules

    Examples:

    "Because only nine players were present, the football team was forced to forfeit the game."

  3. Forfeit as a verb:

    To be guilty of a misdeed; to be criminal; to transgress.

  4. Forfeit as a verb:

    To fail to keep an obligation.

  1. Forfeit as an adjective:

    Lost or alienated for an offense or crime; liable to penal seizure.

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