professionalize

American  

[pruh-fesh-uh-nl-ahyz] / prəˈfɛʃ ə nlˌaɪz /

especially British, professionalise

verb (used with object)

professionalized, professionalizing

1. to give a professional character or status to; make into or establish as a profession.

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verb (used without object)

professionalized, professionalizing

1. to become professional.

professionalize British  

/ prəˈfɛʃənəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. (tr) to impose a professional structure or status on (something)

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Other Word Forms

• professionalist noun
• professionalization noun

Etymology

Origin of professionalize

First recorded in 1855–60; professional + -ize

Example Sentences

One of the efforts to professionalize the process is ICEList, a web database created by Dominick Skinner, an Irish activist based in the Netherlands.

From Slate • Jan. 28, 2026

But he crafted a national strategy to strengthen and professionalize the military, restore the presence and authority of the state across the country, and deliver what he called “democratic security.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 9, 2025

An administration official insisted that Biden and Harris remain committed to both human rights and immigration enforcement, pointing to specific efforts to curb extrajudicial killings and professionalize security forces.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 5, 2024

“Rugby has an underlying need to professionalize its management off the pitch, just as it has done on the pitch over the past 25 years,” Ilube said.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 6, 2023

Shawn wanted to professionalize the operation, to invest the profits from the Malad job in new equipment; Dad wanted things to stay the same.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover