'disqualification' originates from the Latin word 'disqualificare', where 'dis-' meant 'apart' and 'qualificare' meant 'to make fit or capable'.

'disqualificare' transformed into the Old French word 'desqualifier', and eventually became the modern English word 'disqualification' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to make unfit or incapable', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'being declared ineligible or unfit'.