unprofessional

adjective

un·​pro·​fes·​sion·​al ˌən-prə-ˈfesh-nəl 

-ˈfe-shə-nᵊl

: not exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, or generally businesslike manner in the workplace : not professional

unprofessional attire

unprofessional comments

Synonyms

• amateur
• amateurish
• dilettante
• dilettantish
• inexperienced
• inexpert
• jackleg
• nonprofessional
• unskilled
• unskillful

Examples of unprofessional in a Sentence

an unprofessional carelessness about the accuracy of the news story

Recent Examples on the Web

While everyone has off days or occasional hiccups, a consistent pattern of unprofessional behavior is a strong indicator that the collaboration may face serious issues down the road. —Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

Some employers have claimed that Gen Z workers are unprofessional and lack communication skills. —Jasmine Browley, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024

This led to other officers pulling Hill out of the car in an unprofessional way. —Richard Boykin, Chicago Tribune, 16 Sep. 2024

Given the pressure that comes with these essays, many students fall into traps that can lead to unprofessional writing. —Christopher Rim, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

unprofessional

adjective

un·​pro·​fes·​sion·​al

ˌən-prə-ˈfesh-nəl,

-ən-ᵊl

: not professional

especially : not up to the standards of one's profession

unprofessionally

-ē

adverb