Professional vs. Professionalism — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on August 29, 2023

A professional is someone skilled in a specific field, while professionalism refers to the conduct, qualities, and behavior expected of such an expert.

Professional vs. Professionalism — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Professional and Professionalism

Key Differences

A professional is an individual who possesses specific skills, knowledge, or expertise in a particular field or occupation. This expertise is often gained through extensive training, education, or experience. On the other hand, professionalism represents the standard of behavior and conduct associated with those who are trained and skilled in a particular area.

Being a professional implies a level of excellence and competence in a specific domain, ensuring that the individual can deliver services or results as expected. Conversely, professionalism is the embodiment of qualities like integrity, responsibility, and accountability that uphold the reputation of a profession.

For instance, a professional lawyer would have passed the bar exam and holds the required credentials to practice law. However, professionalism in law involves adhering to ethical standards, respecting client confidentiality, and representing clients diligently.

A doctor can be referred to as a professional because they've undergone rigorous education and training in medicine. Yet, professionalism in the medical field entails treating patients with respect, staying updated with medical advancements, and ensuring patient safety.

While the term professional identifies an individual's capability or status within a profession, professionalism speaks to the qualities, conduct, and decorum that uphold the dignity and reputation of that profession.

Comparison Chart

Definition

An individual skilled in a specific field.

The conduct, behavior, and qualities expected of a professional.

Nature

Descriptive of a person.

Descriptive of behavior or attitude.

Grammatical Role

Noun (often used as an adjective).

Noun.

Example

A trained lawyer.

Displaying ethical conduct.

Associated with

Qualification and training.

Ethics, integrity, and standards within a profession.

Compare with Definitions

Professional

An individual trained and skilled in a specific occupation or activity.

She is a professional musician with a renowned orchestra.

Professionalism

The competence or skill expected of a professional.

His attention to detail showcased his professionalism.

Professional

Someone who conducts activities for money as opposed to a hobby.

He switched from amateur to professional golf last year.

Professionalism

The standard of behavior and ethics associated with a particular profession.

Upholding patient confidentiality is a key part of medical professionalism.

Professional

Having or showing qualities that typify a skilled practitioner.

His work is very professional and meticulous.

Professionalism

The quality of performing at a high standard and maintaining the reputation of a profession.

She received an award for her professionalism and dedication.

Professional

Engaging in a specified activity as one's main occupation rather than as a pastime.

He became a professional actor after years of community theater.

Professionalism

Professional status, methods, character, or standards.

Professional

Conforming to the standards of a profession

Professional behavior.

Professionalism

Demonstrating respect, courtesy, and integrity in one's profession.

His consistent punctuality and preparedness highlight his professionalism.

Professional

(by extension) Expert.

Professionalism

The status, methods, character or standards expected of a professional or of a professional organization, such as reliability, discretion, evenhandedness, and fair play.

Professional

Of or relating to a profession;

We need professional advice

Professional training

Professional equipment for his new office

Professionalism

The use of professional performers, as in athletics or in the arts.

Professional

Engaging in a given activity as a source of livelihood or as a career

A professional writer.

Professionalism

The use of professionals rather than amateurs in any sport etc.

Professional

A person who earns their living from a specified activity

Professionalism

The following of a profession, sport, etc., as an occupation; - opposed to amateurism.

Professional

A person who prosecutes anything professionally, or for a livelihood, and not in the character of an amateur; a professional worker.

Professionalism

The expertness characteristic of a professional person

Professional

A professional is a member of a profession or any person who earns a living from a specified professional activity. The term also describes the standards of education and training that prepare members of the profession with the particular knowledge and skills necessary to perform their specific role within that profession.

Professionalism

Adhering to the standards and guidelines of a specific profession.

The seminar aimed to instill a sense of professionalism in new recruits.

Professional

Of, relating to, engaged in, or suitable for a profession

Lawyers, doctors, and other professional people.

Professional

Performed by persons receiving pay

Professional football.

Professional

Having or showing great skill; expert

A professional repair job.

Professional

A person following a profession, especially a learned profession.

Professional

One who earns a living in a given or implied occupation

Hired a professional to decorate the house.

Professional

A skilled practitioner; an expert.

Professional

A person who belongs to a profession

Professional

A prostitute

Professional

A reputation known by name

Professional

An expert

Professional

Of, pertaining to, or in accordance with the (usually high) standards of a profession.

Professional

That is carried out for money, especially as a livelihood.

Professional

Of or pertaining to a profession, or calling; conforming to the rules or standards of a profession; following a profession; as, professional knowledge; professional conduct.

Professional

Engaged in by professionals; as, a professional race; - opposed to amateur.

Professional

An athlete who plays for pay

Professional

An authority qualified to teach apprentices

Professional

Engaged in a profession or engaging in as a profession or means of livelihood;

The professional man or woman possesses distinctive qualifications

Began her professional career after the Olympics

Professional theater

Professional football

A professional cook

Professional actors and athletes

Professional

Of or relating to or suitable as a profession;

Professional organizations

A professional field such as law

Professional

Characteristic of or befitting a profession or one engaged in a profession;

Professional conduct

Professional ethics

A thoroughly professional performance

Professional

Engaged in by members of a profession;

Professional occupations include medicine and the law and teaching

Professional

A person who exhibits a courteous, conscientious, and businesslike manner.

As a professional, she always responds promptly to emails.

Professional

A person engaged in one of the learned professions

Common Curiosities

Can professionalism be learned?

Yes, professionalism, encompassing behavior and ethics, can be cultivated through guidance, experience, and self-awareness.

Can someone be a professional without formal education?

Yes, expertise and skills can be gained through experience, self-study, or alternative training paths.

Why is professionalism important in the workplace?

Professionalism ensures a respectful, ethical, and efficient environment, fostering trust and credibility.

Are all professionals bound by a code of ethics?

Many professions have specific codes of ethics, but not all. However, professionalism universally implies ethical conduct.

What makes someone a professional?

A professional possesses specific skills, training, and qualifications in a particular field.

How can I improve my professionalism?

Embracing continuous learning, upholding ethics, enhancing communication skills, and seeking feedback are ways to enhance professionalism.

Is every paid worker a professional?

Not necessarily. While a professional often works for pay, the term implies specialized skills and training in a field.

Can someone be a professional in multiple fields?

Yes, individuals can possess expertise in multiple domains with appropriate training and experience.

What can harm a professional's reputation?

Unethical behavior, incompetence, or lack of professionalism can negatively impact a professional's reputation.

Can a single act of misconduct tarnish professionalism?

Yes, professionalism is built on trust and ethics; a significant breach can damage one's professional standing.

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Author Spotlight

Written by

Tayyaba Rehman

Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.