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Definition of professional

professional

/prəˈfɛʃ.ən.əl/
pro · fes · sion · al

Adverb:professionally
•
Plural:professionals
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professional Lexical Profile

professional Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Relating to, connected with, or suitable for a profession or career requiring specialized education and training.

Example

"She joined a national association to expand her professional network and attend industry conferences."


2

Exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and highly competent standard of behavior or workmanship expected of a trained specialist.

Example

"Despite the tense negotiations, the mediator maintained a calm and professional demeanor throughout the meeting."


3

Engaged in a specified activity, such as a sport or performing art, as one's paid livelihood rather than as a pastime.

Example

"After winning the collegiate championship, he decided to become a professional tennis player."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

A person engaged or qualified in a profession requiring advanced education, specialized training, or formal certification.

Example

"Healthcare professionals worked tirelessly to distribute vaccines across the rural clinics."


2

A person who demonstrates exceptional skill, competence, and poise in a particular activity or task.

Example

"Restoring antique timepieces requires the steady hand of a true professional."


3

A person who participates in a sport or other activity for financial gain rather than as a hobby.

Example

"The golf tournament is open to both amateurs and seasoned professionals."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for professional

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the early 15th century in reference to taking religious vows, derived from Medieval Latin professionalis, from Latin professio ('public declaration'), from profiteri ('to declare openly'). The secular sense relating to a skilled occupation or career emerged in the mid-18th century.

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Professional. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/professional
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