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
While Nuno praised his attitude and professionalism, Ward-Prowse still made only nine Premier League appearances (five starts) under Nuno, with Elliot Anderson, Nico Dominguez and Ryan Yates preferred.
—Paul Taylor, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Judges are human and, like the rest of us, listen to heinous accusations and do their best to leave emotions outside the court and oversee a trial with professionalism.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 28 Sep. 2025
Argentina reflects a worst-case scenario of how the military can absorb practices from nonmilitary agents that erode its professionalism.
—Kristina Mani, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2025
McKay credits the company’s reputation for quality to its emphasis on professionalism and accountability.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for professionalism
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Paul Taylor, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Judges are human and, like the rest of us, listen to heinous accusations and do their best to leave emotions outside the court and oversee a trial with professionalism.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 28 Sep. 2025
Argentina reflects a worst-case scenario of how the military can absorb practices from nonmilitary agents that erode its professionalism.
—Kristina Mani, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2025
McKay credits the company’s reputation for quality to its emphasis on professionalism and accountability.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 23 Sep. 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 10 Oct. 2025.
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