professionalism

[pruh-fesh-uh-nl-iz-uhm]

noun

1. professional character, spirit, or methods.

2. the standing, practice, or methods of a professional, as distinguished from an amateur.

Word History and Origins

Origin of professionalism¹

First recorded in 1855–60; professional + -ism

Example Sentences

Her smile was so tender, and the feeling in her voice was so warm and genuine, that Penelope felt all her newfound professionalism melt into a puddle.

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"We want to hear from you, you will be treated with sensitivity, with respect and with professionalism."

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That small act — his professionalism, his steadiness — disarmed me.

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The 34-year-old's form is testimony to his endurance, quality and superb professionalism, but a comeback after seven years away from England would not have reflected well on the alternatives to captain Harry Kane.

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It said it did not condone unlawful conduct and was committed to the "highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and public service".

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Related Words

• civility 
• expertise 
• rectitude 
• respectability 

When To Use

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.