professionalism

American  

[pruh-fesh-uh-nl-iz-uhm] / prəˈfɛʃ ə nlˌɪz əm /

noun

1. professional character, spirit, or methods.

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

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professionalism British  

/ prəˈfɛʃənəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. the methods, character, status, etc, of a professional

2. the pursuit of an activity for gain or livelihood

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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

• professionalist noun

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).

Example Sentences

Voices from across the military tout humble, dignified professionalism as essential to morale and project confidence from leadership down through the ranks.

From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026

One of his students even crashes with him for a time, echoing Jimmy’s blurred lines between orderly professionalism and invasive shows of caring.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

“Army aviators must adhere to strict safety standards, professionalism, and established flight regulations.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

Yet Morrone says Boston was the picture of confident professionalism throughout the shoot.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

This sort of person is a blight on good professionalism.

From "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro

Related Words

• civility
• expertise
• rectitude
• respectability