professionalism
noun
pro·fes·sion·al·ism
prə-ˈfesh-nə-ˌli-zəm 
-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.
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
America’s recruiting advertisements are panoramas of young men and women of every conceivable ethnicity performing vital military functions with pride and professionalism.
—Penny Abeywardena, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
From routine checkups to specialized treatments, patients rely on expert care, sound judgment and a high standard of professionalism, qualities that define the best physicians across the country.
—Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
Western ambassadors who worked alongside her in Ukraine spoke of her work ethic and professionalism.
—Andrew Carey and Victoria Butenko, CNN Money, 12 Apr. 2025
Emery quickly lost patience with the player as reports emerged of his irritation towards Ben Arfa in training and lack of professionalism, while the latter lost confidence in his coaching staff following La Remontada.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 9 Apr. 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.
Penny Abeywardena, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
From routine checkups to specialized treatments, patients rely on expert care, sound judgment and a high standard of professionalism, qualities that define the best physicians across the country.
—Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
Western ambassadors who worked alongside her in Ukraine spoke of her work ethic and professionalism.
—Andrew Carey and Victoria Butenko, CNN Money, 12 Apr. 2025
Emery quickly lost patience with the player as reports emerged of his irritation towards Ben Arfa in training and lack of professionalism, while the latter lost confidence in his coaching staff following La Remontada.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 9 Apr. 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 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share