unprofessional

adjective

un·​pro·​fes·​sion·​al ˌən-prə-ˈfesh-nəl How to pronounce unprofessional (audio)
-ˈfe-shə-nᵊl
: not exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, or generally businesslike manner in the workplace : not professional
unprofessional attire
unprofessional comments

Examples of unprofessional in a Sentence

an unprofessional carelessness about the accuracy of the news story
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Very unprofessional and very very childish. Cole Sullivan, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025 What feels casual for some might feel unprofessional—or even uncomfortable—for others. Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 Sep. 2025 This type of behavior by Mayor Hammoud was uncalled for, classless, unprofessional and just plain wrong. Niraj Warikoo, Freep.com, 20 Sep. 2025 Retired Chief of Detention Telisa White told The Charlotte Observer recently that McFadden is narcissistic and unprofessional. Ryan Oehrli, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unprofessional

Word History

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unprofessional was in 1770

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unprofessional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unprofessional. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

unprofessional

adjective
un·​pro·​fes·​sion·​al
ˌən-prə-ˈfesh-nəl,
-ən-ᵊl
: not professional
especially : not up to the standards of one's profession
unprofessionally
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!