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

That is about as unprofessional as golfers get on the PGA Tour. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025

All work gets done on the beach The digital nomad stereotype suggests unprofessional setups and casual work environments. —Jodie Cook, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025

Later, Lilian would call a friend whose father was a doctor to confirm that the question was unusual or at least unprofessional. —Yiyun Li, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2025

According to a survey of BHG real estate agents, 80% reported some projects do not add significant value to a home compared to their cost, including DIY projects with subpar craftsmanship or unprofessional installation. —Aksha Mittapalli, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unprofessional

• nonprofessional
• preprofessional
• subprofessional
• compressional
• concessional
• confessional
• congressional
• obsessional
• processional
• professional
• recessional
• successional

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