/ prəˈfeʃənl; NAmE / adjective , noun
■ adjective
1.
[ only before noun ] connected with a job that needs special training or skill, especially one that needs a high level of education :
professional qualifications / skills
professional standards / practice
an opportunity for professional development
If it's a legal matter you need to seek professional advice .
2.
( of people ) having a job which needs special training and a high level of education :
Most of the people on the course were professional women.
3.
showing that sb is well trained and extremely skilled
SYN competent :
He dealt with the problem in a highly professional way.
OPP amateur
4.
suitable or appropriate for sb working in a particular profession :
professional conduct / misconduct
OPP unprofessional
5.
doing sth as a paid job rather than as a hobby :
a professional golfer
After he won the amateur championship he turned professional .
OPP amateur
6.
( of sport ) done as a paid job rather than as a hobby :
the world of professional football
OPP amateur
—compare non-professional
■ noun
1.
a person who does a job that needs special training and a high level of education :
the terms that doctors and other health professionals use
2.
(also informal pro ) a person who does a sport or other activity as a paid job rather than as a hobby :
a top golf professional
OPP amateur
3.
(also informal pro ) a person who has a lot of skill and experience :
This was clearly a job for a real professional.
OPP amateur