Word
unprofessional
Phoneticsun·pro·fes·sion·al, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌənpɹəˈfɛʃənəɫ/
UK/ʌnpɹəfˈɛʃənəl/
Definition
adj. behaving in a way that does not meet the high standards expected at work. You use this to describe someone who is rude, messy, or lazy in a business setting.
adj. below the standards of behavior or competence expected in a particular profession. Often used to describe a lack of etiquette, reliability, or ethical conduct in a workplace context.
Examples
“It is unprofessional to check your phone during a meeting.”
“The client felt that the constant spelling errors in the proposal were highly unprofessional and decided to hire a different firm.”
“While the technical advice was sound, the consultant's unprofessional habit of disparaging former colleagues during lunch made the executive team hesitant to offer him a long-term contract.”
Examples
simple
“It is unprofessional to check your phone during a meeting.”
contextual
“The client felt that the constant spelling errors in the proposal were highly unprofessional and decided to hire a different firm.”
complex
“While the technical advice was sound, the consultant's unprofessional habit of disparaging former colleagues during lunch made the executive team hesitant to offer him a long-term contract.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun or predicatively after linking verbs like 'be', 'seem', or 'appear'.
Real-World Examples
“Shorts, strappy tops and sandals may keep you cool - but will they be judged too casual, revealing or unprofessional?” “They say it's unprofessional, too informal, and a distraction.” - 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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