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
That sweet spot between professionalism, entertainment and high-and-mighty disapproval?
—Phil Hay, New York Times, 19 June 2025
But to Dirks, one of the most important things that Báez brings to this young group of Tigers, a group that has finally ended a decade-long rebuilding process and brought competitive baseball back to Michigan summers, is stability and professionalism.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 19 June 2025
Officers exhibited the utmost professionalism and courtesy.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
An infrastructure of professionalism—conferences, along with scholarly journals and societies—had begun to emerge.
—Eric Bulson, The Atlantic, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for professionalism
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Phil Hay, New York Times, 19 June 2025
But to Dirks, one of the most important things that Báez brings to this young group of Tigers, a group that has finally ended a decade-long rebuilding process and brought competitive baseball back to Michigan summers, is stability and professionalism.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 19 June 2025
Officers exhibited the utmost professionalism and courtesy.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
An infrastructure of professionalism—conferences, along with scholarly journals and societies—had begun to emerge.
—Eric Bulson, The Atlantic, 16 June 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 26 Jun. 2025.
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