professionalism

[ pruh-fesh-uh-nl-iz-uhm ]

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of professionalism¹

First recorded in 1855–60; professional + -ism

Example Sentences

Asked why he had taken a change of clothes and his notebook with him when he escaped from the prison, Mr Khalife said: "I wanted to exude a sense of professionalism... to show that I was capable of doing what I did."

From BBC

To find the right words to give them, you need a high level of professionalism.

From Los Angeles Times

His professionalism and skill to broadcast fairly without bias on Fox Sports did not go unnoticed.

From Los Angeles Times

As individuals, we engage in this sort of assimilation all the time: We dress a certain way at work to communicate our professionalism to our bosses; we dress another way at parties to communicate that we’re up-to-date on the latest style trends.

From Salon

Nevertheless, Trump hired her in 2021 to oversee his comeback and gained an appreciation for her even-handed professionalism.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• civility
• expertise
• rectitude
• respectability