professionalism
noun
pro·fes·sion·al·ism
prə-ˈfesh-nə-ˌli-zəm 
-ˈfe-shə-nə-ˌli-
1
: the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person
2
: 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
Just two awards away from obtaining EGOT status, for over three decades, Foxx has maintained a repertoire of not only staunch professionalism, but also stands as a benefactor of Black male representation in entertainment.
—Ime Ekpo, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
This meticulous approach has helped The W Group build a reputation not only for outstanding results but for integrity and professionalism in every aspect of the business.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 5 June 2025
Turner simply thanked his teammate for his professionalism.
—James Boyd, New York Times, 1 June 2025
Comment Copy link View 1213 comments Tabitha L. Osman, a master hair stylist and trichologist at Haven Holistic Salon weighed in with Newsweek, saying professionalism must flow both ways.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for professionalism
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Ime Ekpo, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
This meticulous approach has helped The W Group build a reputation not only for outstanding results but for integrity and professionalism in every aspect of the business.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 5 June 2025
Turner simply thanked his teammate for his professionalism.
—James Boyd, New York Times, 1 June 2025
Comment Copy link View 1213 comments Tabitha L. Osman, a master hair stylist and trichologist at Haven Holistic Salon weighed in with Newsweek, saying professionalism must flow both ways.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for professionalism
Cite this Entry
“Professionalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/professionalism. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.
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