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
Both actors are clearly behaving well within the scope of the scene and with mutual respect and professionalism.
—Christina Dugan Ramirez, Fox News, 26 Jan. 2025
The professionalism, the speed, the bat and the defence - especially that arm.
—The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
The country star’s fans quickly took notice of her professionalism and praised her stunning a cappella rendition on social media.
—Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 20 Jan. 2025
Companies often remember external candidates who handled rejection with grace and professionalism.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for professionalism 
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Christina Dugan Ramirez, Fox News, 26 Jan. 2025
The professionalism, the speed, the bat and the defence - especially that arm.
—The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
The country star’s fans quickly took notice of her professionalism and praised her stunning a cappella rendition on social media.
—Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 20 Jan. 2025
Companies often remember external candidates who handled rejection with grace and professionalism.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for professionalism
Dictionary Entries Near professionalism
Cite this Entry
“Professionalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/professionalism. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.
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