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
Emery quickly lost patience with the player as reports emerged of his irritation towards Ben Arfa in training and lack of professionalism, while the latter lost confidence in his coaching staff following La Remontada.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
This level of professionalism and scale transforms what was once small time fraud into a potential billion dollar criminal industry.
—Lars Daniel, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Despite this being her first speaking role on camera, co-star Mark Duplass praised her professionalism.
—Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025
Though the fictional narrative of Olivia Pope relies on dramatic flair, in real life crisis management experts achieve similar results through careful planning, meticulous strategy, and quiet professionalism, all without attracting unnecessary attention.
—Ethan Stone, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for professionalism
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
This level of professionalism and scale transforms what was once small time fraud into a potential billion dollar criminal industry.
—Lars Daniel, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Despite this being her first speaking role on camera, co-star Mark Duplass praised her professionalism.
—Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025
Though the fictional narrative of Olivia Pope relies on dramatic flair, in real life crisis management experts achieve similar results through careful planning, meticulous strategy, and quiet professionalism, all without attracting unnecessary attention.
—Ethan Stone, USA Today, 4 Apr. 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 16 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share