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
Their professionalism, their reach, and also the sensitivity to the political context and ethics have hugely improved.
—Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2025
Essential and Premium subscribers can customize their client portals, which adds another layer of professionalism.
—Alison Barretta, PC Magazine, 4 Aug. 2025
That thrust me headfirst into the professionalism aspect of it.
—Essence, 1 Aug. 2025
Working multiple shows at once has been a regular part of the career DeJesus has built and a testament to his work ethic and professionalism.
—David J. Bohnet, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for professionalism
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Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2025
Essential and Premium subscribers can customize their client portals, which adds another layer of professionalism.
—Alison Barretta, PC Magazine, 4 Aug. 2025
That thrust me headfirst into the professionalism aspect of it.
—Essence, 1 Aug. 2025
Working multiple shows at once has been a regular part of the career DeJesus has built and a testament to his work ethic and professionalism.
—David J. Bohnet, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 July 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 22 Aug. 2025.
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