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
He is known for being temperamentally methodical, for his professionalism and for his grasp of policy detail.
—Joey Garrison, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
Divver talked with pride about his officers’ professionalism, their restraint and their mission.
—Amy Reichert, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Sep. 2025
However, Brady is coming at this unique situation with professionalism, Raiders head coach Pete Carroll said on Tuesday.
—Ben Morse, CNN Money, 17 Sep. 2025
Still, coaches and teammates in Brooklyn praised his professionalism and defensive energy, two traits that could help him make a case for a limited role.
—Grant Afseth, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for professionalism
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Joey Garrison, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
Divver talked with pride about his officers’ professionalism, their restraint and their mission.
—Amy Reichert, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Sep. 2025
However, Brady is coming at this unique situation with professionalism, Raiders head coach Pete Carroll said on Tuesday.
—Ben Morse, CNN Money, 17 Sep. 2025
Still, coaches and teammates in Brooklyn praised his professionalism and defensive energy, two traits that could help him make a case for a limited role.
—Grant Afseth, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 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 30 Sep. 2025.
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