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
Dressed in practical khaki and a neat ponytail, her professionalism was matched by her deep knowledge of the ecosystem.
—Jennifer Flowers, AFAR Media, 15 May 2025
This will let your superiors know that your request is driven by professionalism and integrity.
—Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
Personal loyalty to Hitler and Nazism became more valuable than professionalism and talent.
—Alexander Soifer, Scientific American, 2 May 2025
Maintaining your professionalism and collaborative nature while advocating for yourself is powerful.
—Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for professionalism
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Jennifer Flowers, AFAR Media, 15 May 2025
This will let your superiors know that your request is driven by professionalism and integrity.
—Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
Personal loyalty to Hitler and Nazism became more valuable than professionalism and talent.
—Alexander Soifer, Scientific American, 2 May 2025
Maintaining your professionalism and collaborative nature while advocating for yourself is powerful.
—Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA Today, 30 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 23 May. 2025.
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