professionalism
noun
pro·fes·sion·al·ism
prə-ˈfesh-nə-ˌli-zəm 
-ˈfe-shə-nə-ˌli-
1
: the skill, good judgment, and polite behavior that is expected from a person who is trained to do a job well
respected for their professionalism
A high level of professionalism is expected when working with clients.
The scrubs' design provides nurses with a sense of fashion, functionality and professionalism.—
Cheryl Robinson
Cheryl RobinsonThe pair clearly rate each other highly for their acting skills and for the kind of professionalism that has kept them both at the top of the game for more than two decades.—Patrick Frater
Patrick Frater2
: the following of a profession (such as athletics) for gain or livelihood
Examples of professionalism in a Sentence
For writers such as Alexander Pope and Samuel Johnson, struggling in the transition from the age of patronage to that of Grub Street professionalism, Shakespeare offered not only a body of poetic invention but also an inspirational career trajectory.
—Jonathan Bate, Harper's, April 2007
In Washington, careerism has so trumped professionalism among political journalists as to render Alterman's ethical concerns almost quaint.
—Gene Lyons, Harper's, October 2003
It is difficult not to contrast the professionalism of modestly paid firefighters and police doing their duty on September 11 with the secretive … behavior of six- and seven-figure accountants, lawyers, CEOs, bankers, and financial analysts who failed at their duty with Enron.
—Bruce Nussbaum, Business Week, 28 Jan. 2002
A high level of professionalism is expected when working with clients.
She is highly respected for her professionalism.
Jonathan Bate, Harper's, April 2007
In Washington, careerism has so trumped professionalism among political journalists as to render Alterman's ethical concerns almost quaint.
—Gene Lyons, Harper's, October 2003
It is difficult not to contrast the professionalism of modestly paid firefighters and police doing their duty on September 11 with the secretive … behavior of six- and seven-figure accountants, lawyers, CEOs, bankers, and financial analysts who failed at their duty with Enron.
—Bruce Nussbaum, Business Week, 28 Jan. 2002
A high level of professionalism is expected when working with clients.
She is highly respected for her professionalism.
Recent Examples on the Web
Their professionalism and dedication is deeply appreciated.
—Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
The military’s ability to resist politicization rests almost wholly on the professionalism of the force itself.
—Kori Schake, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2026
Dawkins, a Duke legend, represents UCF with a level of professionalism that aligns with the university’s broader identity.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026
The Tonight Show Goes Full Double Dare Speaking of consummate professionalism, how about Johnny Knoxville coming up with a Chuck Berry piss-kink joke while being hosed down with water at 30 Rock.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for professionalism
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Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
The military’s ability to resist politicization rests almost wholly on the professionalism of the force itself.
—Kori Schake, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2026
Dawkins, a Duke legend, represents UCF with a level of professionalism that aligns with the university’s broader identity.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026
The Tonight Show Goes Full Double Dare Speaking of consummate professionalism, how about Johnny Knoxville coming up with a Chuck Berry piss-kink joke while being hosed down with water at 30 Rock.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for professionalism
Cite this Entry
“Professionalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/professionalism. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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