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
Oversharing can lead to a loss of professionalism and diminish trust, rather than build it.
—Sarat Chakravarthi, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
There’s a certain irony in the fact that those on the celebrity circuit — who appear to hover above the mundanity and misery of cubicle working and employee dress codes — are embracing this staunch symbol of corporate professionalism.
—Leah Dolan, CNN, 17 Dec. 2024
In public, Hoover still claimed to be the great avatar of the administrative state, devoted to law and professionalism and restraint.
—Beverly Gage, The New Yorker, 11 Dec. 2024
Balancing professionalism with personal boundaries is key to resolving these types of conflicts smoothly.
—Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for professionalism 
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Sarat Chakravarthi, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
There’s a certain irony in the fact that those on the celebrity circuit — who appear to hover above the mundanity and misery of cubicle working and employee dress codes — are embracing this staunch symbol of corporate professionalism.
—Leah Dolan, CNN, 17 Dec. 2024
In public, Hoover still claimed to be the great avatar of the administrative state, devoted to law and professionalism and restraint.
—Beverly Gage, The New Yorker, 11 Dec. 2024
Balancing professionalism with personal boundaries is key to resolving these types of conflicts smoothly.
—Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for professionalism
Dictionary Entries Near professionalism
Cite this Entry
“Professionalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/professionalism. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.
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