professionalize

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

Examples of professionalize in a Sentence

The country is professionalizing the military.

Recent Examples on the Web

The ability to evolve is not guaranteed by time or succession, it is determined by the conscious decision to professionalize. —Paul Westall, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025

The programme for top Associates included player development pathways and specialized administrative structures to help professionalize those deemed close to Full Member level. —Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025

Meanwhile, there was increasing pressure from the corporate board Green had installed in 2005 to professionalize the company. —Air Mail, 3 May 2025

Beginning with Tin Pan Alley at the turn of the 20th century, the music industry professionalized rapidly. —Time, 5 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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