professional
gb/pɹəfˈɛʃənəl/ us/pɹəfˈɛʃənəl/
B1
English
~ 2800
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
A person doing paid skilled work
Someone who is paid to do a job that needs special knowledge or skills.
Usage pattern:
a [professional] in [a field]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'professional' with 'professor'; 'professional' refers to someone in a skilled job, not necessarily teaching.
Synonyms
expert (Focuses more on high level of skill or knowledge, not necessarily employment.)
|
specialist (Emphasizes a narrow area of expertise.)
Antonyms
amateur (Someone who does something for enjoyment, not for pay or as a career.)
Collocations
trained professional
|medical professional
|legal professional
|IT professional
Themes
business
|careers
|education
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She is a highly respected medical professional.
- Only a trained professional should handle these chemicals.
- As a financial professional, he advises clients on investments.
- The company hired an IT professional to improve their systems.
Learner examples
- My sister is a medical professional.
- He wants to be a sports professional.
- We called a plumbing professional to fix the leak.
- She is a computer professional.
adjective
B1
property
2
Relating to skilled paid work
About work that needs special training and is done for money.
Usage pattern:
[professional] [job/role/service]
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse 'professional' instead of more specific adjectives like 'skilled' or 'qualified'.
Synonyms
vocational (Relates to specific careers or trades, often used in education contexts.)
Antonyms
casual (In employment, refers to temporary or informal work without long-term commitment.)
Collocations
professional advice
|professional athlete
|professional service
|professional qualifications
Themes
business
|careers
|work
|education
Examples
- She received professional training as a chef.
- He plays basketball at a professional level.
- They offer professional cleaning services.
- Professional standards must be followed at all times.
Learner examples
- I need professional help with my taxes.
- He is a professional driver.
- They gave me professional advice.
- She wants professional training.
adjective
B2
property
3
Competent and respectful work behavior
Acting in a polite and skilled way at work.
Usage pattern:
to be [professional] in [situation]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'professional' here with 'formal'; being professional is not always the same as being formal.
Synonyms
businesslike (Focuses on efficiency and formality in behavior.)
Antonyms
unprofessional (Lacking the expected skill, respect, or responsibility in behavior.)
Collocations
highly professional manner
|stay professional
|look professional
Themes
business
|communication
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She remained calm and professional during the meeting.
- His email was written in a very professional tone.
- We expect all staff to act professionally with clients.
Learner examples
- He was very professional with the customer.
- Please stay professional during the interview.
- She spoke in a professional way.
Grammar
Dictionary form
professional
IPA
GB/pɹəfˈɛʃənəl/
US/pɹəfˈɛʃənəl/
Syllables & stress
pro - fes - sion - al (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (fes)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: professional
Noun
- Base: professional
- Plural: professionals
Word family
Forms
professionals
noun
Core family
Negative and opposite forms
Advanced or less common
professionalize
verb
professionalization
noun
Expressions
keep it professional
1/kˈip ˈɪt pɹəfˈɛʃənəl/
fixed phrase
informal
Stay respectful in work settings
To act politely and correctly, especially at work or in business.
Examples
- Even though they disagreed, they kept it professional during the meeting.
- Let's keep it professional when we talk to the client.
professional development
1/pɹəfˈɛʃənəl dɪvˈɛləpmənt/
fixed phrase
Training to improve work skills
Learning and training that help you do your job better.
Examples
- The company invests heavily in professional development for its employees.
- Teachers are encouraged to attend workshops as part of their professional development.
go pro
1/ɡˈoʊ pɹˈoʊ/
fixed phrase
informal
Start working for pay in a field
To start doing something as your paid job instead of as a hobby.
Examples
- After winning several tournaments, she decided to go pro.
- He went pro as a photographer last year.
go pro
2/ɡˈoʊ pɹˈoʊ/
fixed phrase
Become a paid professional
To start doing a sport or activity as your job instead of just for fun.
Examples
- After winning several tournaments, he decided to go pro.
- Many young athletes dream of going pro.