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

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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.

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

The paraprofessional received $150,000 from the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program and spent the money on a trip to Las Vegas and purchases at Louis Vuitton, Macy’s and other retailers, according to the complaint.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 30, 2022

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

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