English Reference

Word

profession

Phoneticspro·fes·sion, stress on the second syllable

US/pɹəˈfɛʃən/

UK/pɹəfˈɛʃən/

Definitions

01specialized job

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a type of job that requires special training and a high level of education, like being a doctor or a lawyer.

n. an occupation requiring specialized knowledge and often long and intensive academic preparation.

“She chose the teaching profession because she wanted to help children learn.”

“The legal profession demands not only a deep understanding of statutes but also a commitment to ethical practice and client confidentiality.”

Usage

Often used with the definite article 'the' when referring to the group of people in that job.

Pitfall

What is your profession?

What do you do for a living?

In casual conversation, 'profession' can sound overly formal. Use 'job' or 'what do you do' unless you are filling out a form or speaking formally.

Synonyms

careeroccupationvocation

Antonyms

hobbypastime

02statement of belief

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Religion Formal

n. a public statement where you say what you believe or feel.

n. an open act of declaring or acknowledging a belief, faith, or opinion.

“The monk made a profession of his faith during the ceremony.”

“His public profession of loyalty to the new regime was met with skepticism by those who knew his previous political leanings.”

Teaching tip

This sense is much less common than the 'job' sense and is usually found in religious or very formal contexts.

Synonyms

declarationassertiontestimony

Antonyms

denialsilence

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “profession” in context.

Adjective

01. medical profession

“Many members of the medical profession are concerned about the new healthcare policy.”

adj + noun

02. professions like

Confusables

profession vs career

Career is the total path of a person's working life, while profession is a specific occupation requiring advanced training or credentials.

RememberCareer is your journey; profession is your title.

Etymology

From Middle English professioun, from Anglo-Norman professioun, Old French profession (“declaration of faith, religious vows, occupation”), from Latin professiō (“avowal, public declaration”), from the participle stem of profitērī (“to profess”). By surface analysis, profess + -ion.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

VERB

NOUN

profession(B1)

ADVERB

Idioms

01. learned profession

Domain

Religion

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Common
Level
B1 · IntermediateOxford
Updated

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