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
That said, any form of misconduct or behavior that undermines professionalism has no place in this department.
—Opinion Staff, Daily News, 5 Apr. 2026
How Guthrie will specifically handle her moment cannot yet be known, but those who know her (that The Hollywood Reporter spoke with) say it will surely be done with uncommon levels of grace and professionalism.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2026
By all accounts, MNUFC has been pleased with the professionalism of Rodriguez since joining the team two months ago.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 3 Apr. 2026
Many customers seem pleased with the customer service, the quality of the installation and the professionalism of the crew assigned to their project.
—Dan Simms, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for professionalism
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Opinion Staff, Daily News, 5 Apr. 2026
How Guthrie will specifically handle her moment cannot yet be known, but those who know her (that The Hollywood Reporter spoke with) say it will surely be done with uncommon levels of grace and professionalism.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2026
By all accounts, MNUFC has been pleased with the professionalism of Rodriguez since joining the team two months ago.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 3 Apr. 2026
Many customers seem pleased with the customer service, the quality of the installation and the professionalism of the crew assigned to their project.
—Dan Simms, USA Today, 2 Apr. 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 10 Apr. 2026.
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