unprofessional

adjective

un·​pro·​fes·​sion·​al ˌən-prə-ˈfe-sh(ə-)nəl 

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

unprofessional attire

unprofessional comments

Synonyms of unprofessional

• inexperienced
• amateur
• amateurish

Examples of unprofessional in a Sentence

an unprofessional carelessness about the accuracy of the news story

Recent Examples on the Web

Abernethy specifically accused Carlson of numerous episodes of unprofessional conduct while alleging both swim coaches fostered conflict and misrepresented facts to school officials, including a campaign of false accusations against her. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 23 July 2026

The regulatory mechanism used was an agreement from the state not enforce its unprofessional-conduct laws against Doctronic as long as the company adhered to a contract built with safety and privacy guardrails. — Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Of course, having six inches of Twizzler sticking out of your mouth might be deemed unprofessional, but at least your hands are free. — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026

What a nasty, unprofessional comment about a member of this city’s constituency who has spent much time on important issues. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 16 June 2026

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