# professional

/pɹəˈfɛʃənəɫ/ (US) · /pɹəfˈɛʃənəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/professional
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. skilled worker

noun · CEFR A2

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

For teachers: a person belonging to a profession that typically requires advanced education or specialised training.

- She is a medical professional who has worked in hospitals for ten years.
- The conference brought together legal and financial professionals to discuss the implications of the new regulatory framework.

### 2. paid participant

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- He played football for fun as a child, but now he is a professional.
- Transitioning from a gifted amateur to a touring professional requires not only talent but also a rigorous commitment to daily practice and physical conditioning.

### 3. high quality or standard

adjective · CEFR A2

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

For teachers: exhibiting the standards, competence, or etiquette expected of a member of a profession.

- The report looks very professional with all the charts and clear headings.
- Maintaining a professional demeanour during a crisis is essential for leadership, as it instils confidence in the rest of the team.

### 4. done for money

adjective · CEFR B1

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

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

- She decided to seek professional advice before signing the contract.
- The athlete's professional career was cut short by a series of injuries that prevented him from competing at the highest level.

## Examples

- You should ask a professional for advice on your taxes.
- The hospital employs a wide range of healthcare professionals, including surgeons, nurses, and physical therapists.
- While many hobbyists produce high-quality work, the project requires a seasoned professional who can navigate the complex legal requirements of international trade.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.