professional
11 synonyms and 0 antonyms for professional, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Relating to or meeting the standards of a skilled occupation.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use professional
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From profession + -al.
Full origin of professional →Frequently asked questions
What does “professional” mean?
The word “professional” means relating to or meeting the standards of a skilled occupation. In plain terms, to do with (or meeting the standards of) a skilled job — or someone who does that job, especially for pay.
How do you pronounce “professional”?
“Professional” is pronounced pruh-FEHSH-uh-nuhl (/pɹəˈfɛʃ.ə.nəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “professional” in a sentence?
Here is “professional” used in a sentence: “She gave a very professional presentation.”
What part of speech is “professional”?
Depending on how it is used, “professional” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “professional” a common word?
“Professional” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “professional” have?
“Professional” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to or meeting the standards of a skilled occupation.
What is the difference between professional and amateur?
Professional describes work done to the paid standards of a trained occupation, with the competence and reliability that implies. Amateur describes something done for love or as a hobby, without pay or formal qualification. Calling work professional praises its polish, while amateur often suggests it falls short of that standard.
Is professional a positive word?
Generally, yes. Describing someone or their work as professional implies competence, reliability, and appropriate conduct, which are clear compliments in most settings. It can occasionally sound cold or impersonal, as in a professional smile, but in the sense of meeting occupational standards it is almost always approving.
What is an example of professional behaviour?
Turning up on time, communicating clearly, meeting deadlines, respecting confidentiality, and staying calm under pressure are all professional behaviours. The word covers both the quality of the work itself and the manner in which someone conducts themselves, from dressing suitably and treating colleagues with courtesy to taking responsibility for mistakes.
Can professionalism be taught?
Yes. While some traits come with experience, the standards behind professional conduct, such as punctuality, clear communication, ethics, and accountability, can be learned and trained. Many workplaces and courses teach them directly, and most people become more professional over time as they absorb the expectations of their field.