profession

7 synonyms and 5 antonyms for profession, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — A job or occupation that requires special training or skill, especially one with a recognized qualification.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

occupation career calling trade

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

vocation

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

avowal professing

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

A job or occupation that requires special training or skill, especially one with a recognized qualification.

“Teaching is a rewarding profession, though it demands patience and long hours.”

occupation vocation career calling trade avowal professing

Opposites

hobby avocation

2. noun

A declaration of belief or feeling.

“She made a public profession of her faith in front of the congregation.”

Opposites

disavowal denial recantation

How to use profession

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

choose a profession medical profession legal profession

Etymology

From Latin professiō, "public declaration," from profitērī, "to profess."

Full origin of profession →

Frequently asked questions

What does “profession” mean?

The word “profession” means a job or occupation that requires special training or skill, especially one with a recognized qualification. In plain terms, a skilled occupation, or a formal statement of belief.

How do you pronounce “profession”?

“Profession” is pronounced pruh-FEHSH-uhn (/pɹəˈfɛʃ.ən/ in IPA).

How do you use “profession” in a sentence?

Here is “profession” used in a sentence: “Medicine is a demanding profession.”

What part of speech is “profession”?

“Profession” is a noun.

Where does the word “profession” come from?

The word “profession” comes from Latin. From Latin professiō, "public declaration," from profitērī, "to profess.".

Is “profession” a common word?

“Profession” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

How many meanings does “profession” have?

“Profession” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a job or occupation that requires special training or skill, especially one with a recognized qualification.

What is the difference between a "profession" and a "job"?

A "job" is any paid work, while a "profession" is an occupation that requires special training, skill, or a recognised qualification, such as law or medicine. Every profession is a job, but not every job is a profession.

What is the difference between a "profession" and an "occupation"?

An "occupation" is any way a person spends their working time, whereas a "profession" specifically implies formal training or qualifications. All professions are occupations, but "occupation" is the broader term.

What is the difference between "profession" and "vocation"?

A "profession" stresses formal training and a recognised qualification, while a "vocation" emphasises a strong sense of calling or dedication to a type of work. A job can be both, but "vocation" focuses on personal commitment rather than credentials.

People also searched

trade career calling occupation denial hobby vocation avocation disavowal recantation avowal

Nearby words

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