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 ( def 2 ).

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

Derived Forms

• ˌunproˈfessionally, adverb

Other Words From

• unpro·fession·al·ism noun
• unpro·fession·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of unprofessional¹

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

Example Sentences

“We were recently made aware of an incident at one of our high schools, in which a staff member’s discussion about the election results turned unprofessional,” the spokesperson told the news station.

From Los Angeles Times

She decided to keep her prior obligation, which she writes resulted in an angry phone call with Murphy in which he “ripped” into her and told her she was unprofessional.

From Los Angeles Times

She says she faced "unprofessional behaviours, in terms of bullying and toxic environments".

From BBC

A Los Angeles gynecologist has surrendered his medical license after a state agency accused him of “unprofessional conduct,” including asking a patient about her religious beliefs after she disclosed having had an abortion.

From Los Angeles Times

“I have stated the ambulance and fire panicked somewhat, this was an unprofessional comment to make and I would like to take the opportunity to apologise for it,” she said.

From BBC

Related Words

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