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

While some criticized the move as unprofessional, Wallen later joked about the incident on social media. —Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 7 June 2026

Loud crowds, bad lighting, wind noise, echo-heavy rooms or chaotic backstage areas can make content feel unprofessional no matter how good the conversation itself is. —King Holder, Rolling Stone, 4 June 2026

But Nathan MacKinnon not talking after Tuesday’s loss was unprofessional and inexcusable for one of the NHL’s best players. —Troy Renck, Denver Post, 29 May 2026

Consequently, individuals expressing frustration or concern, even when accurate, are often deemed unprofessional and penalized. —Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 26 May 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