professionalism
noun
pro·fes·sion·al·ism
prə-ˈfesh-nə-ˌli-zəm 
-ˈfe-shə-nə-ˌli-
1
: the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person
2
: the following of a profession (such as athletics) for gain or livelihood
Examples of professionalism in a Sentence
For writers such as Alexander Pope and Samuel Johnson, struggling in the transition from the age of patronage to that of Grub Street professionalism, Shakespeare offered not only a body of poetic invention but also an inspirational career trajectory.
—
Jonathan Bate, Harper's, April 2007
In Washington, careerism has so trumped professionalism among political journalists as to render Alterman's ethical concerns almost quaint.
—Gene Lyons, Harper's, October 2003
It is difficult not to contrast the professionalism of modestly paid firefighters and police doing their duty on September 11 with the secretive … behavior of six- and seven-figure accountants, lawyers, CEOs, bankers, and financial analysts who failed at their duty with Enron.
—Bruce Nussbaum, Business Week, 28 Jan. 2002
A high level of professionalism is expected when working with clients.
She is highly respected for her professionalism.
Jonathan Bate, Harper's, April 2007
In Washington, careerism has so trumped professionalism among political journalists as to render Alterman's ethical concerns almost quaint.
—Gene Lyons, Harper's, October 2003
It is difficult not to contrast the professionalism of modestly paid firefighters and police doing their duty on September 11 with the secretive … behavior of six- and seven-figure accountants, lawyers, CEOs, bankers, and financial analysts who failed at their duty with Enron.
—Bruce Nussbaum, Business Week, 28 Jan. 2002
A high level of professionalism is expected when working with clients.
She is highly respected for her professionalism.
Recent Examples on the Web
Founded in Nashville in 1925 and today the longest-running live broadcast show in the world, despite its rootsy image, the Opry is a high-class, high-tech operation, running with a smooth professionalism and a welcoming attitude.
—Jem Aswad, Variety, 29 Apr. 2025
Taking responsibility for your own actions, even in the face of someone else’s hostility, is a mark of true professionalism.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
There’s just so much respect for the professionalism of these guys.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2025
In my twenties, straight hair had represented professionalism, polish, and control.
—Liz Krieger, Allure, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for professionalism
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Jem Aswad, Variety, 29 Apr. 2025
Taking responsibility for your own actions, even in the face of someone else’s hostility, is a mark of true professionalism.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
There’s just so much respect for the professionalism of these guys.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2025
In my twenties, straight hair had represented professionalism, polish, and control.
—Liz Krieger, Allure, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for professionalism
Cite this Entry
“Professionalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/professionalism. Accessed 8 May. 2025.
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