professionalism
noun
pro·fes·sion·al·ism
prə-ˈfesh-nə-ˌli-zəm 
-ˈfe-shə-nə-ˌli-
1
: the skill, good judgment, and polite behavior that is expected from a person who is trained to do a job well
respected for their professionalism
A high level of professionalism is expected when working with clients.
The scrubs' design provides nurses with a sense of fashion, functionality and professionalism.—
Cheryl Robinson
Cheryl RobinsonThe pair clearly rate each other highly for their acting skills and for the kind of professionalism that has kept them both at the top of the game for more than two decades.—Patrick Frater
Patrick Frater2
: 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
Nanos asked members of the media to exhibit professionalism and compassion.
—Richard Ruelas, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
And the cool professionalism of the FBI operation in the Guthrie case shows that the FBI is back as well.
—Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 16 Feb. 2026
Effective lawmaking requires respect, professionalism, and a willingness to work across party lines.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
My record reflects that balance, which is why I have been endorsed by the Fraternal Order of the Police and rated excellent by the LGBTQ+ Democrats of Mecklenburg County — independent organizations that evaluate judges based on fairness, professionalism, and adherence to the law.
—Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for professionalism
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Richard Ruelas, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
And the cool professionalism of the FBI operation in the Guthrie case shows that the FBI is back as well.
—Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 16 Feb. 2026
Effective lawmaking requires respect, professionalism, and a willingness to work across party lines.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
My record reflects that balance, which is why I have been endorsed by the Fraternal Order of the Police and rated excellent by the LGBTQ+ Democrats of Mecklenburg County — independent organizations that evaluate judges based on fairness, professionalism, and adherence to the law.
—Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for professionalism
Cite this Entry
“Professionalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/professionalism. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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