# unprofessional

/ˌənpɹəˈfɛʃənəɫ/ (US) · /ʌnpɹəfˈɛʃənəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unprofessional
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun or predicatively after linking verbs like 'be', 'seem', or 'appear'.

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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.