Synonyms for

Professional

Verb / prʌˈfeʃʌnʌl / Another word for professional — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

relating to or belonging to a profession; engaged in a profession.

Synonyms & similar words

amateur unprofessional nonprofessional professionalperson pro master expert specialist skilled experienced trained qualified proficient competent accomplished master adept veteran seasoned knowledgeable educated learned erudite intellectual scholarly technical

Synonyms by register

Formal

expert competent skilled accomplished

Informal

pro ace whiz hotshot

Literary

adept virtuoso

Antonyms

amateur unskilled inexperienced novice beginner layman

Common collocations

  • professional development
  • professional conduct
  • professional athlete
  • professional services
  • professional manner
  • professional judgment
  • professional network

Word family

noun profession
adjective professional
adverb professionally

Usage note

Can refer to someone who is paid for their work or someone who is highly skilled and serious about their work. Avoid using 'professional' to describe someone's behavior in a negative way, as it implies a lack of seriousness or competence.

Example sentences

  1. He is a professional musician.
  2. She is a professional writer.
  3. He is a professional chef.
  4. She is a professional dancer.
  5. He is a professional photographer.

Quotes

  • Being a professional is doing the things you love to do, on the days you don't feel like doing them.
  • Being a professional means doing your job with excellence every day.
  • A professional is someone who can do his best work when he doesn't feel like it.

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