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
Wide receivers coach Todd Downing saw Boutte improve his professionalism this offseason.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2025
The spokesperson went on to thank the midwives on staff that day for their professionalism and dedication.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
The Norway international has a reputation for character and professionalism, so Shi may well be right, but the truth is that only time will tell.
—Steve Madeley, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
Surrounded by a diverse group of military misfits, the colonel tries to reinstate discipline and professionalism with the help of the base’s previous interim leader, who just happens to be his estranged daughter, Captain Maggie Quinn (Taylor Misiak).
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for professionalism
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Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2025
The spokesperson went on to thank the midwives on staff that day for their professionalism and dedication.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
The Norway international has a reputation for character and professionalism, so Shi may well be right, but the truth is that only time will tell.
—Steve Madeley, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
Surrounded by a diverse group of military misfits, the colonel tries to reinstate discipline and professionalism with the help of the base’s previous interim leader, who just happens to be his estranged daughter, Captain Maggie Quinn (Taylor Misiak).
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 4 Sep. 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 10 Sep. 2025.
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