nonprofessional
nonprofessional Lexical Profile
nonprofessional Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Not belonging to or connected with a paid, certified, or specialized profession; practiced as a hobby or pastime rather than for financial gain.
"The community theater cast is composed entirely of nonprofessional actors from the local neighborhood."
Lacking the skill, competence, or ethical standards expected of a trained professional.
"The auditor criticized the firm's nonprofessional bookkeeping practices."
• noun
A person who engages in an activity as a pastime rather than a paid occupation, or who lacks formal training and credentials in a particular field.
"The medical guide was written in plain language so that any nonprofessional could understand the symptoms."
Word Nuance & Usage
'Nonprofessional' is a neutral descriptor meaning outside of a paid profession or performed by an amateur, whereas 'unprofessional' is strongly critical and means violating the ethical or behavioral standards of a profession.