professionalism
Americannoun
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professional character, spirit, or methods.
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the standing, practice, or methods of a professional, as distinguished from an amateur.
noun
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the methods, character, status, etc, of a professional
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the pursuit of an activity for gain or livelihood
Usage
What does professionalism mean? Professionalism most commonly means the state or practice of doing one’s job with skill, competence, ethics, and courtesy. Professionalism is based on the word professional, which is commonly used as an adjective to describe someone who works in this way—someone who shows professionalism. Professionalism is shown by people who take their work seriously and respect the people they work with. The word professionalism can also be used to distinguish the practices of a person who gets paid for their work from those of an amateur (which is someone who does it for fun). Example: That level of skill, dedication, and professionalism are exactly what we’re looking for in our next production manager.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of professionalism
First recorded in 1855–60; professional + -ism
Explanation
When you talk about the methods, characteristics, and attitudes of a person holding a job that requires higher education or advanced training, you're talking about their professionalism. The noun professionalism is usually used to describe the type of behavior you would expect from a professional person. For example, showing up to work on time, and focusing on the task at hand. And not fighting with your coworkers (unless you're a professional wrestler).
Vocabulary lists containing professionalism
Words with 15 or More Letters, List 3
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Selection Vocabulary 1, Unit 3
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"Modern Automotive Technology," Vocabulary from Section 13
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“That horrible act was stopped because of the courage and professionalism of law enforcement — the officers who responded without hesitation and did their jobs as they were trained to do,” Blanche said Monday.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026
Appointed inspector general of the Continental Army in May 1778, Steuben overhauled its drill, instilling the professionalism that contributed to final victory.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026
When I worked in President George W. Bush’s White House, I gained, as most everyone did, a special appreciation for the professionalism of the Secret Service.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026
On Monday, Sir Keir sought to play down any sense of a rift with the civil service when he told MPs: "We have thousands of civil servants who act with integrity and professionalism every day."
From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026
But mostly there was a kind of reflexive professionalism and an uncommon immersion of the aviators into philosophical speculation.
From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
