unprofessional

[uhn-pruh-fesh-uh-nl]

adjective

1. not professional; not pertaining to or characteristic of a profession.

2. at variance with or contrary to professional standards or ethics; not befitting members of a profession, as language, behavior, or conduct.

3. not belonging to a profession; nonprofessional.

4. not done with professional competence, as a play staged or an opera performed by amateurs; amateurish.

5. Sports.,  nonprofessional.

noun

1. a person who is not a professional; amateur.

unprofessional

/ ˌʌnprəˈfɛʃənəl /

adjective

1. contrary to the accepted code of conduct of a profession

2. amateur

3. not belonging to or having the required qualifications for a profession

Other Word Forms

• unprofessionalism noun
• unprofessionally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of unprofessional¹

First recorded in 1800–10; un- ¹ + professional

Example Sentences

In fact the White House defended it, insinuating the journalist deserved it for being “unprofessional.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Speaking to a reporter for MS NOW, a White House official called the reporter’s behavior “inappropriate and unprofessional” and suggested she should get thicker skin.

Read more on Salon

Fischgrund’s complaint, filed in Sacramento County Superior Court, alleged one inmate became overly familiar with her, commenting on her appearance and referring to her with an unprofessional nickname.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

That is incredibly unprofessional behavior from any employee of the executive branch.

Read more on Salon

Labour MPs in Kent labelled her "unprofessional" and "not up to the job," and local Liberal Democrat and Green groups claimed Reform's running of the council had descended into chaos.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• ignorant 
• improper 
• incompetent 
• inefficient 
• lax 
• negligent 
• unethical