qualifying

noun4

1. •
   verbal noun of qualify
2. •
   An examination that must be taken in order to qualify.

   • Despite possible lore among graduate students to the contrary, most faculty members dread having to fail a student in the qualifyings. — 2013
3. •
   A preliminary competition in which successful competitors gain entry into, and/or a favourable starting position in, a subsequent competition.

   • McLaren driver Hamilton was never in contention after making a disastrous mistake to crash out in qualifying and then starting at the back of the grid after a penalty for changing his gearbox. — 2009
4. •
   A qualification or added condition.

   • No expostulations! No buts, girl! No qualifyings, I will be obeyed, I tell you; and chearfully too! — 1748