-shən ə lˌizəm, -shnəˌli- noun
( -s )
1.
a. : the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person
a moral code is the basis of professionalism — Roy Lewis & Angus Maude
b. : extreme competence in an occupation or pursuit sometimes marked by absence of originality
lose sight of general cultivation and fall into stark professionalism — Educational Review
2. : the following of a profession (as athletics) for gain or livelihood : the characteristics, standards, or methods of professionals especially in sports or athletics
the acceptance of money for professional services … is the criterion by which professionalism is determined — Virgil Thomson
— compare amateurism