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
Please know that our educators and administrators approach this work with professionalism, care, and a focus on meeting both the academic and legal responsibilities entrusted to us.
—Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2025
The companies were assessed on recommendations along with detailed evaluations across six key areas, including professionalism, care of belongings, price and punctuality.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025
Buster Posey is the walking embodiment of quiet professionalism.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 22 Oct. 2025
Models tend to mirror the professionalism and clarity of your prompt.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for professionalism
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Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2025
The companies were assessed on recommendations along with detailed evaluations across six key areas, including professionalism, care of belongings, price and punctuality.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025
Buster Posey is the walking embodiment of quiet professionalism.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 22 Oct. 2025
Models tend to mirror the professionalism and clarity of your prompt.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 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 30 Oct. 2025.
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