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
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.
Angel investors like Bob Iger and Serena Williams are reshaping cultural narratives as much as balance sheets, and firms such as Atwater Capital are professionalizing the space—transforming leagues like League One Volleyball into premium, monetizable media platforms. Priya Oberoi, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025 Teams have increasingly professionalized their analytics and scouting departments as the line between college and pro sports blurs. Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 18 Mar. 2025 Texas politicians have a rich tradition of resisting the federal government, but Abbott may have done more than anyone else to professionalize the practice. Jonathan Blitzer, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025 As Burke moves to professionalize the office and return it to its primary mission of advocating for victims of crime, look for people to find ways to undermine her. Paul Vallas, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Professionalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/professionalize. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

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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