professionalize

verb

pro·​fes·​sion·​al·​ize prə-ˈfesh-nə-ˌlīz How to pronounce professionalize (audio)
-ˈfe-shə-nə-ˌlīz
professionalized; professionalizing

transitive verb

: to give a professional character to
professionalization
prə-ˌfesh-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce professionalize (audio)
-ˌfe-shə-nə-lə-
noun

Examples of professionalize in a Sentence

The country is professionalizing the military.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
August Vollmer of the Berkeley Police Department was a committed reformer who began recruiting college graduates to help professionalize the force. Susan Saulny, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Oct. 2024 And how to professionalize a maturing practice by Emily Hund Spotlight Series / Winning at Influencer Marketing 01 Why the Influencer Industry Needs Guardrails 02 What Makes a Successful Celebrity Brand? Harvard Business Review, 1 June 2024 This issue can be best addressed over time, as part of an effort to professionalize the entire armed forces of Iraq. Linda S. Robinson, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2019 There is a tremendous opportunity to centralize, consolidate and professionalize its U.S. operations, which could lead to margins that are at least in the low-to mid-twenties over the next few years. Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for professionalize 

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of professionalize was in 1856

Dictionary Entries Near professionalize

Cite this Entry

“Professionalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/professionalize. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

professionalize

verb
pro·​fes·​sion·​al·​ize prə-ˈfesh-nəl-ˌīz How to pronounce professionalize (audio)
-ən-ᵊl-
professionalized; professionalizing
: to give a professional nature to
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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