professionalism
noun
pro·fes·sion·al·ism
prə-ˈfesh-nə-ˌli-zəm 
-ˈfe-shə-nə-ˌli-
1
: the skill, good judgment, and polite behavior that is expected from a person who is trained to do a job well
respected for their professionalism
A high level of professionalism is expected when working with clients.
The scrubs' design provides nurses with a sense of fashion, functionality and professionalism.—
Cheryl Robinson
Cheryl RobinsonThe pair clearly rate each other highly for their acting skills and for the kind of professionalism that has kept them both at the top of the game for more than two decades.—Patrick Frater
Patrick Frater2
: 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.
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
Redick sounded off after Los Angeles dropped a third straight game, questioning his team’s effort and professionalism.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 28 Dec. 2025
Our mission remains to serve with integrity, compassion and professionalism.
—Jeff Capellini, CBS News, 23 Dec. 2025
A'zion, who also currently stars in the HBO series I Love LA, complimented Chalamet's acting and professionalism on set during a recent interview on The Drew Barrymore Show.
—Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 23 Dec. 2025
After his military service, Hollins built a career in corrections that stretched across decades and shaped the way a generation of officers who knew him understood professionalism.
—Kansas City Star, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for professionalism
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.
Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 28 Dec. 2025
Our mission remains to serve with integrity, compassion and professionalism.
—Jeff Capellini, CBS News, 23 Dec. 2025
A'zion, who also currently stars in the HBO series I Love LA, complimented Chalamet's acting and professionalism on set during a recent interview on The Drew Barrymore Show.
—Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 23 Dec. 2025
After his military service, Hollins built a career in corrections that stretched across decades and shaped the way a generation of officers who knew him understood professionalism.
—Kansas City Star, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for professionalism
Cite this Entry
“Professionalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/professionalism. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share