profession
pruh-FEHSH-uhn
Profession (noun) means a job or occupation that requires special training or skill, especially one with a recognized qualification. Example: “Teaching is a rewarding profession, though it demands patience and long hours.”
noun
1
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."
"Medicine is a demanding profession."
"She joined the legal profession after law school."
2
A declaration of belief or feeling.
"She made a public profession of her faith in front of the congregation."
"His profession of innocence sounded sincere, yet nobody could prove it."
"His profession of loyalty convinced no one."
How to use profession
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA skilled occupation, or a formal statement of belief.
Common pairings
choose a profession
medical profession
legal profession
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Word forms
- Plural
- professions
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Teaching is a rewarding _____, though it demands patience and long hours.
Etymology
From Latin professiō, "public declaration," from profitērī, "to profess."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for profession
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for 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.
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