professionalism

noun

pro·​fes·​sion·​al·​ism prə-ˈfesh-nə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce professionalism (audio)
-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.
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.
Films being produced at the University of Central Arkansas and John Brown University have shown a technical level of professionalism from behind the camera, as well as more complexity in the scripts being written. Al Topich Special To The Democrat-Gazette, arkansasonline.com, 2 Jan. 2025 Share [Findings] Online murder-for-hire advertisements seek to convey professionalism yet tend not to provide references up front. Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025 The key dilemma will be whether to prioritize short-term gains by cutting corners on workers’ rights, garment quality, and business ethics, or to have the courage to invest in quality, legitimacy, and professionalism. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 2 Jan. 2025 And their professionalism and performance never wavered. Sean McManus, Deadline, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for professionalism 

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of professionalism was in 1856

Dictionary Entries Near professionalism

Cite this Entry

“Professionalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/professionalism. Accessed 8 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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