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

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Etymology

Origin of professionalism

First recorded in 1855–60; professional + -ism

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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

See Examples For:

professionalism

"We would like to thank all of NCP's staff and directors for their support and professionalism throughout what has understandably been a period of uncertainty."

From BBC ● Oct. 8, 2026

"Our focus now is on supporting their families, supporting our people and assisting the authorities. We will honour our colleagues by remembering the care, professionalism, and commitment they brought to their work every day."

From BBC ● Oct. 5, 2026

A simple question about chilled caffeine has sparked heated debates on couches and online about workplace decorum, highlighting shifting 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

I felt drawn by professionalism to the edge of sterility, capable of no more than pedantic, lifeless, unassailable prose.

From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez

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Related Words

• civility
• expertise
• rectitude
• respectability

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