professionalism
Americannoun
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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.
I think just her fearlessness, her professionalism, her coolness, her aura.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026
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
Ravanelli, reportedly the highest-paid man in the league, scored at almost the same rate he bemoaned the club's professionalism in the Italian press, suggesting Juventus coaches were having to fax him fitness plans.
From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026
In columns and on TV, he warns that Hegseth’s cavalier attitude toward the rule of law and civilian protections is corroding military professionalism.
From Salon • Mar. 11, 2026
“I believe in the integrity and professionalism of our officers.”
From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro
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.
