English▸ adjective [attributive]
1 denoting someone or something that qualifies for something:
the bill would allow for a tax break for qualifying patients
the two qualifying teams will play again on Saturday.
2 denoting the qualification stage of a sporting event:
the team finished the qualifying rounds in fifth place overall.
▸ noun the qualification stage of a sporting event:
the day starts with as many as five dozen racers running in the qualifying.