professionalism
Americannoun
-
professional character, spirit, or methods.
-
the standing, practice, or methods of a professional, as distinguished from an amateur.
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.
Etymology
Origin of professionalism
First recorded in 1855–60; professional + -ism
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.
With these offices vacant, the task fell upon district courts to name interim U.S. attorneys, which they did with admirable professionalism.
From Slate • Mar. 24, 2026
He navigated turbulent political waters with a quiet professionalism, leaving a mark on the institutions he led and the nation he served.
From Salon • Mar. 21, 2026
The U.S. channels professionalism and a fire within, which also is great.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026
Aziz added that the "partnership is grounded in a commitment to editorial professionalism and institutional credibility".
From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026
“Far be it from me to doubt anyone’s professionalism, but is that really the ideal pairing?”
From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo
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.
