professionalize

1 of 2

verb

pro·​fes·​sion·​al·​ize prə-ˈfesh-nə-ˌlīz 

-ˈfe-shə-nə-ˌlīz

professionalized; professionalizing

transitive verb

: to give a professional character to

professionalization

prə-ˌfesh-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

-ˌfe-shə-nə-lə-

noun

professionalization

2 of 2

noun

pro·​fes·​sion·​al·​iza·​tion prəˌfeshənᵊlə̇ˈzāshən 

plural -s

: the act or process of making or becoming professionalized

the professionalization of college athletics

Examples of professionalize in a Sentence

Verb

The country is professionalizing the military.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

In a recent Rolling Stone interview, Deer Tick spoke about getting their act together when the crowds started to thin after the pandemic and professionalizing, even using Slack. — Arman Khan, Pitchfork, 19 June 2026

Although the role of the artist agent is becoming increasingly professionalized, informal variations on the job have existed for decades. — Rachel Corbett, Vulture, 18 June 2026

Alexis said the film aligns with the federation’s broader efforts in recent years to modernize and professionalize its image while showcasing the positive impact football can have on Haiti and its people. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 12 June 2026

In this period before culture was so profoundly professionalized, populism and pluralism were genuine material questions of public participation, access, and power. — Katy Siegel, Artforum, 2 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1856, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for professionalize

• contextualize
• industrialize
• materialise
• materialize
• memorialize
• microenterprise
• overemphasize
• particularize
• revolutionise
• revolutionize
• actualize
• antagonize

Kids Definition

professionalize

verb

pro·​fes·​sion·​al·​ize prə-ˈfesh-nəl-ˌīz 

-ən-ᵊl-

professionalized; professionalizing

: to give a professional nature to