unprofessional

[uhn-pruh-fesh-uh-nl]

adjective

1. not professional; not pertaining to or characteristic of a profession.

2. at variance with or contrary to professional standards or ethics; not befitting members of a profession, as language, behavior, or conduct.

3. not belonging to a profession; nonprofessional.

4. not done with professional competence, as a play staged or an opera performed by amateurs; amateurish.

5. Sports.,  nonprofessional.

noun

1. a person who is not a professional; amateur.

unprofessional

/ ˌʌnprəˈfɛʃənəl /

adjective

1. contrary to the accepted code of conduct of a profession

2. amateur

3. not belonging to or having the required qualifications for a profession

Other Word Forms

• unprofessionalism noun
• unprofessionally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of unprofessional¹

First recorded in 1800–10; un- ¹ + professional

Example Sentences

Despite several officers sharing discriminatory and unprofessional views, some made it clear they were aware of the need to conceal their real opinions.

From BBC

James, who would go on to captain Europe to a narrow defeat at Brookline in 1999, received a £1,500 fine for "unprofessional conduct".

From BBC

He reacted angrily to a comment by Paetongtarn calling the Cambodian leadership's use of social media to push its arguments "unprofessional".

From BBC

An internal investigation found the officers' behaviour was "unacceptable and unprofessional" and the complainant was paid £3,500 in compensation.

From BBC

It was also alleged an "unprofessional and discourteous" call handler failed to carry out checks following a call from Miss Mitchell's sister and dad six days before she was killed.

From BBC

Related Words

• ignorant 
• improper 
• incompetent 
• inefficient 
• lax 
• negligent 
• unethical