professionalism
Americannoun
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professional character, spirit, or methods.
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the standing, practice, or methods of a professional, as distinguished from an amateur.
noun
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the methods, character, status, etc, of a professional
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the pursuit of an activity for gain or livelihood
Usage
What does professionalism mean? Professionalism most commonly means the state or practice of doing one’s job with skill, competence, ethics, and courtesy. Professionalism is based on the word professional, which is commonly used as an adjective to describe someone who works in this way—someone who shows professionalism. Professionalism is shown by people who take their work seriously and respect the people they work with. The word professionalism can also be used to distinguish the practices of a person who gets paid for their work from those of an amateur (which is someone who does it for fun). Example: That level of skill, dedication, and professionalism are exactly what we’re looking for in our next production manager.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of professionalism
First recorded in 1855–60; professional + -ism
Explanation
When you talk about the methods, characteristics, and attitudes of a person holding a job that requires higher education or advanced training, you're talking about their professionalism. The noun professionalism is usually used to describe the type of behavior you would expect from a professional person. For example, showing up to work on time, and focusing on the task at hand. And not fighting with your coworkers (unless you're a professional wrestler).
Vocabulary lists containing professionalism
Words with 15 or More Letters, List 3
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Selection Vocabulary 1, Unit 3
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"Modern Automotive Technology," Vocabulary from Section 13
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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.
That simple question has sparked debate about workplace decorum, highlighting changing expectations of professionalism.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 25, 2026
There are rituals of professionalism whose disappearance I will survive.
From Salon ● Sep. 23, 2026
“There’s a certain old-school kind of toughness, there’s a professionalism and a maturity level with this kid that’s pretty unique for his age,” Riley said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 17, 2026
Liam's newfound professionalism is probably the biggest revelation in the documentary, scripted by Peaky Blinders' creator Steven Knight, and shot by directors Dylan Southern and Will Lovelace.
From BBC ● Sep. 7, 2026
It occurred to him that this level of professionalism might mean that standard procedure—a phone call for the accused—would be observed, and he would be free within a day or two.
From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
