qual — English Dictionary

Noun

1. Qualifying exam. An exam taken by someone (usually a grad student or prospective grad student) to measure their mastery in something, usually an academic field.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • plural-normally
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   He'd refused to say anything more, because he didn't want to distract her with his problems on the eve of the Quals.

   To be a theorist, you also had to pass a special theory section on the quals.

2. Qualitative analysis or research.

   Usage

   • Uncountable

   Examples

   We believe there is a role for both qual and quant in professional services.