unprofessional

adjective

un·​pro·​fes·​sion·​al ˌən-prə-ˈfesh-nəl How to pronounce unprofessional (audio)
-ˈfe-shə-nᵊl
: not exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, or generally businesslike manner in the workplace : not professional
unprofessional attire
unprofessional comments

Examples of unprofessional in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Prosecutors have argued that Gutierrez Reed was unprofessional, often leaving guns and ammunition unsecured and ignoring industry safety protocols. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 28 Feb. 2024 In it Corben accused Méndez of unprofessional behavior and violating Bar rules when the city attorney interrupted public comment at a recent commission meeting to accuse Corben of being a paid by unnamed people seeking to damage her reputation. Sarah Blaskey, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2024 However, due to his struggle with addiction and unprofessional behavior, MacGowan was kicked out of the Pogues mid-tour at the height of the band’s popularity in 1991. EW.com, 30 Nov. 2023 And the smiley-face addition was unprofessional and inappropriate, especially with a PSA score nearly 4x beyond the acceptable range. Christian Schneider, National Review, 21 Dec. 2023 An unprofessional physician puts a crack in the foundation of our public trust. The Arizona Republic, 8 Jan. 2024 If your office is throwing an event, playing it safe is an option–avoid low necklines or overly ostentatious pieces that may come across as unprofessional. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 12 Dec. 2023 Just be careful that you’re not being shown in an unflattering and unprofessional manner, particularly after a few too many glasses of bubbly. Andrew Fennell, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2023 The unprofessional quality — especially in the context of his film geek peers — suggests that what Chalamet cares about is only what goes on the screen (big, not small). Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 4 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unprofessional.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unprofessional was in 1770

Dictionary Entries Near unprofessional

Cite this Entry

“Unprofessional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unprofessional. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

unprofessional

adjective
un·​pro·​fes·​sion·​al
ˌən-prə-ˈfesh-nəl,
-ən-ᵊl
: not professional
especially : not up to the standards of one's profession
unprofessionally
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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