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

an unprofessional carelessness about the accuracy of the news story
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To discuss your crush with Brett would be not only embarrassing but also unprofessional. Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 22 July 2025 The Wisconsin profession licensing board for therapists, counselors and social workers labeled conversion therapy as unprofessional conduct since April 2024. Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 8 July 2025 Stakeout's success can be attributed to two likable leads — Richard Dreyfuss as Chris Leece and Emilio Estevez as Bill Reimers — carrying the film through some terribly unprofessional waters — even for an '80s buddy cop flick — where multiple lines are crossed in this surprisingly violent film. Sarah Sprague, EW.com, 2 July 2025 While aerial intercepts are intended to prevent airspace violations, such maneuvers can lead to midair collisions if executed in an unsafe or unprofessional manner. Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for unprofessional

Word History

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unprofessional was in 1770

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unprofessional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unprofessional. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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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