Word
professionalism
Phoneticspro·fes·sion·al·ism
US/pɹəˈfɛʃənəˌɫɪzəm/
UK/pɹəfˈɛʃənəlˌɪzəm/
Definitions
01workplace conduct
n. the quality of being skilled, reliable, and polite in your job.
n. the status, methods, character, or standards expected of a professional, including reliability, discretion, and competence.
“The manager praised her professionalism when she stayed calm during the difficult meeting.”
“Maintaining a high level of professionalism is essential when dealing with sensitive client data and navigating complex interpersonal conflicts within the firm.”
Usage
Uncountable in this sense; it refers to an abstract quality of character or behavior.
Teaching tip
Learners often confuse this with 'profession' (the job itself). Remind them that professionalism describes 'how' one works, not 'what' one does.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02use of professionals
n. the practice of using paid professionals instead of amateurs, especially in sports.
n. the standing, practice, or methods of professionals as distinguished from those of amateurs.
“The move toward professionalism in rugby changed how the athletes trained.”
“The late twentieth century saw the increasing professionalism of Olympic sports, as the traditional distinction between amateur and paid athletes began to dissolve.”
Technical
Usage
Often used in historical or sociological contexts regarding the evolution of sports and arts.
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“And now Japan has some extraordinary dancers.” He was also impressed by the professionalism of the performers.” “The classes were less diverse, and almost everyone assumed the formal way I chose to dress had more to do with religion than professionalism.” Etymology
From professional + -ism.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/professionalism