nonprofessional

American  

[non-pruh-fesh-uh-nl] / ˌnɒn prəˈfɛʃ ə nl /

adjective

1. not a member of or trained in a specific profession.

2. Sports. not offering or engaged in for payment or a monetary prize; amateur.

   a nonprofessional league; a nonprofessional player.

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noun

1. a person who is not a professional.

2. an amateur athlete.

nonprofessional British  

/ ˌnɒnprəˈfɛʃənəl /

adjective

1. not of, relating to, suitable for, or engaged in a profession

2. not undertaken or performed for gain or by people who are paid

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Other Word Forms

• nonprofessionalism noun

Etymology

Origin of nonprofessional

First recorded in 1795–1805; non- + professional

Example Sentences

Their authors were seldom scholars; more often they were nonprofessional writers and editors whose volunteer contributions ranged from family snapshots to gravestone photographs, fragmented town histories, folkloric anecdotes and tall tales.

From The Wall Street Journal

Some companies already use AI to co-write financial reports, and the Education Department recently reclassified accounting degrees as nonprofessional.

From The Wall Street Journal

The young director worked closely with the community, auditioning nonprofessional and professional actors, but admits “it was a really hard job” that took a year and a half.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s a big leap for any nonprofessional,” Stone says.

From Los Angeles Times

They don’t get to be in the band, but as actors, they do a lot to support their nonprofessional castmates.

From Los Angeles Times