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
Addressing city employees directly, Calvo emphasized professionalism and public service, saying workers will be respected but also held to high expectations.
—Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
This is an attack on my integrity and my professionalism.
—NBC news, 11 Jan. 2026
Our firefighters demonstrated professionalism and ensured public safety throughout the incident, and the property sustained no additional damage.
—Jermont Terry, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
Every interaction should be guided by integrity, respect, and professionalism.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for professionalism
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Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
This is an attack on my integrity and my professionalism.
—NBC news, 11 Jan. 2026
Our firefighters demonstrated professionalism and ensured public safety throughout the incident, and the property sustained no additional damage.
—Jermont Terry, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
Every interaction should be guided by integrity, respect, and professionalism.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 8 Jan. 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 14 Jan. 2026.
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