English Reference
noun · adjective

professional

n. · adj.
US /pɹəˈfɛʃənəɫ/ UK /pɹəfˈɛʃənəl/ pro·fes·sion·al UK spelling professionals

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    n.a person who has a job that requires special training or a high level of education.

    n.a person belonging to a profession that typically requires advanced education or specialised training.

    Simple

    She is a medical professional who has worked in hospitals for ten years.

    In context

    The conference brought together legal and financial professionals to discuss the implications of the new regulatory framework.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    n.someone who is paid to do an activity, like a sport, instead of doing it as a hobby.

    n.an individual who earns their livelihood from a specific activity, particularly in sports or the arts, as opposed to an amateur.

    Simple

    He played football for fun as a child, but now he is a professional.

    In context

    Transitioning from a gifted amateur to a touring professional requires not only talent but also a rigorous commitment to daily practice and physical conditioning.

    pro
    amateurhobbyist
  3. 03 A2 Elementary

    adj.showing the high quality or good behavior that you expect from a trained person.

    adj.exhibiting the standards, competence, or etiquette expected of a member of a profession.

    Simple

    The report looks very professional with all the charts and clear headings.

    In context

    Maintaining a professional demeanour during a crisis is essential for leadership, as it instils confidence in the rest of the team.

    competentpolishedbusinesslike
  4. 04 B1 Intermediate

    adj.describing a job or activity that you do for money as your main work.

    adj.engaged in a specified activity as one's main paid occupation rather than as a pastime.

    Simple

    She decided to seek professional advice before signing the contract.

    In context

    The athlete's professional career was cut short by a series of injuries that prevented him from competing at the highest level.

Usage professional football · professional bodies · professional development


From Middle English professhennalle, professhynalle; equivalent to profession + -al.

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

This entry
Origin Middle English professhennalle
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated