Overqualified - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Overqualified describes a person whose skills, experience, or education exceed the requirements of a job. It often implies they may be too advanced for the role or likely to leave soon.
Definition:
Having more qualifications or experience than required for a particular job.
Synonyms:
overeducated, overcredentialed, overskilled
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
underqualified, inexperienced
Common Collocations:
job applicant, feel overqualified, considered overqualified
Derivatives:
overqualification, overqualify
Usage Tips:
Use "overqualified" to describe someone whose skills exceed job requirements, often implying difficulty in finding suitable work.
Common Phrases:
too qualified for the job, deemed overqualified, seen as overqualified
Etymology:
Derived from "over-" (excessive) + "qualified" (having necessary skills), first recorded in the mid-20th century.
Examples:
- 1. She was deemed overqualified for the entry-level position.
- 2. Many employers hesitate to hire overqualified candidates fearing they’ll leave soon.
- 3. He felt overqualified but took the job anyway.
- 4. The recruiter said she was overqualified for the role.