professional
adjective
uk/prəˈfeʃənəl/ us [ 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
professional
noun [ C ]
uk/prəˈfeʃənəl/ us(informal pro)a person who has the type of job that needs a high level of education and special training:
It's important to gather a team of professionals such as a lawyer, an accountant, and a financial planner to help draw up a plan.
health/health care/medical professionals
IT/finance/marketing professionals
dedicated/skilled/trained professionals
someone who has worked hard in the same type of job for a long time, and has a lot of skill and knowledge:
a true/consummate professional
He's a real pro.
If you have a large amount of money to invest, it's better to leave it to the pros.
someone who does an activity or a job to earn money, rather than as a hobby:
This will be his first game as a professional.
Compare
amateur adjective
See also
health professional