professional

/prəˈfeʃənəl/ adjective

Definition

› [before noun] related to work that needs a high level of education or special training: professional advice/judgments/opinions You should seek professional advice before doing this.a professional background/career/life She has spent the bulk of her professional life working in the public sector.professional experience/qualifications/training The importance of professional qualifications varies enormously between different industries. a professional association/body/organization professional services/skills/standards

› having the type of job that is respected because it involves a high level of education and training: Many of those who want to rent are single, professional people who do not want to share.

› having the qualities that you connect with trained people, such as being organized and showing a high standard of work: It would look more professional if the letter were typed. He has behaved in a very professional way. a professional environment/relationship

› suitable for a person working in a particular profession: professional accountability/conduct/misconduct He is now facing charges of serious professional misconduct.

› (also informal pro) doing an activity or a job to earn money, rather than as a hobby: a professional athlete pro football/sports → Compare amateur adjective

(Definition of professional adjective from the Cambridge Business English Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

Focus on the pronunciation of professional