Synonyms

paraprofessional

American

[par-uh-pruh-fesh-uh-nl] / ˌpær ə prəˈfɛʃ ə nl /

noun

a person trained to assist a doctor, lawyer, teacher, or other professional, but not licensed to practice in the profession.

adjective

of or relating to paraprofessionals.

Etymology

Origin of paraprofessional

First recorded in 1965–70; para- ¹ + professional

Vocabulary lists containing paraprofessional

"Blocking the Transmission of Violence," Vocabulary from the feature article

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

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.

In September, she took a full-time job as a paraprofessional for a local school, making just $14 an hour.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 10, 2026

The other was a close friend, Stefanie Robinson, a paraprofessional who worked with students with severe disabilities, including those requiring help with feeding and diapering.

From Salon • Sep. 19, 2024

I was 22 and working as a paraprofessional at an elementary school in Boise, Idaho, earning $9 an hour.

From New York Times • Jun. 10, 2023

Huland, a paraprofessional in San Francisco, said he arrived downtown just before 6 a.m. to scope out some deals.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 25, 2022

Her experience as a bilingual paraprofessional showed her the disparities for Black youth.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 5, 2022

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023