Search Dictionary
Definition of professionalize

professionalize

/prəˈfɛʃ.ən.əl.aɪz/
(UK: professionalise)
pro · fes · sion · al · ize
Adverb:professionally
•
Adjective:professional
•
Past Simple:professionalized
•
Past Participle:professionalized
•
Present Participle:professionalizing
JUMP TO:

professionalize Lexical Profile

professionalize Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To give an occupation, activity, or group professional qualities, standards, or status, typically by increasing training, formal qualifications, and regulation.

Example

"The organization worked for decades to professionalize nursing through rigorous academic curricula and licensing exams."

2

To transform a hobby, sport, or volunteer activity into a paid, full-time occupation or commercial enterprise.

Example

"After the league decided to professionalize the sport, players were finally able to earn a full-time living from competing."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for professionalize
Antonyms
View all antonyms for professionalize

• Rhymes for professionalize

• Nearby Words

profession
professional
professionalism
professionalize
professionally
professor
professorial

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Professionalize. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/professionalize
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.