unprofessional

adjective

un·​pro·​fes·​sion·​al ˌən-prə-ˈfe-sh(ə-)nəl 

: not exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, or generally businesslike manner in the workplace : not professional

unprofessional attire

unprofessional comments

Synonyms of unprofessional

• inexperienced
• amateur
• amateurish

Examples of unprofessional in a Sentence

an unprofessional carelessness about the accuracy of the news story

Recent Examples on the Web

Beyond coffee, Gottsman said candidates should avoid other distractions or unprofessional impressions by putting away their phones, skipping overpowering fragrances, removing sunglasses from the tops of their heads and avoiding chewing gum. — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Responses were mixed, with those agreeing with Wehniainen saying the practice is unprofessional and could create unnecessary distractions during an interview. — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 23 Sep. 2026

The turn away from deep French manicures also had classist and anti-Black undertones—long acrylic nails and intricate designs had a stigma of being unprofessional when worn on women of color. — Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 9 Sep. 2026

Monaco’s behaviour is viewed at Chelsea as extraordinary and deeply unprofessional. — Tom Burrows, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unprofessional

• nonprofessional
• preprofessional
• subprofessional
• compressional
• concessional
• confessional
• congressional
• obsessional
• processional
• professional
• recessional
• successional

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

-ē

adverb