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.

Recent Examples on the Web

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, 8 Nov. 2023

When dressing for work, Levesque highlights the importance of dressing authentically for oneself, much like the company’s name, while striking a balance between personal style and maintaining professionalism. —Maia Torres, Vogue, 6 Nov. 2023

Moreover, Tina consistently exudes professionalism in her office attire, often seen in collared shirts and coordinated sets that include a dress paired with a short-sleeve jacket. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 19 Oct. 2023

Although his competitors present themselves, by contrast, as models of ethical professionalism, Gagosian appears unimpressed. —Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 22 Sep. 2023

This leaves the career bereft of its sense of gravity and professionalism. —Svetlana Khachiyan, USA TODAY, 2 Sep. 2023

That Metheny persevered and somehow still delivered an often-sublime performance is a testimony to his artistry and professionalism. —George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Oct. 2023

The top three skills employers say candidates most lack, as revealed during interviews, are time management, professionalism, and critical thinking. —Byjane Thier, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2023

Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs are handling the Taylor Swift era with professionalism, the team's President Mark Donovan tells PEOPLE. —Skyler Caruso, Peoplemag, 6 Oct. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined at sense 1