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

That is, unless ongoing, face-to-face diplomacy is strengthened and professionalized. — Anthony Wanis-St John, The Conversation, 10 July 2026

Jacqueline Kennedy’s creation of our organization was a private initiative that professionalized White House preservation for generations. — Stewart McLaurin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

He was brought in to professionalize the country's new domestic league and support Japan's successful bid to co-host the World Cup in 2002. — ABC News, 26 June 2026

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

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