unprofessional

adjective

ˌən-prə-ˈfesh-nəl How to pronounce unprofessional (audio)
Definition of unprofessionalnext
as in inexperienced
lacking or showing a lack of expert skill an unprofessional carelessness about the accuracy of the news story

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of unprofessional What a nasty, unprofessional comment about a member of this city’s constituency who has spent much time on important issues. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 16 June 2026 Kaplan’s interactions with employees, according to several former staffers, could similarly veer into the unprofessional. — Clara Molot, Vanity Fair, 12 June 2026 While some criticized the move as unprofessional, Wallen later joked about the incident on social media. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 7 June 2026 Loud crowds, bad lighting, wind noise, echo-heavy rooms or chaotic backstage areas can make content feel unprofessional no matter how good the conversation itself is. — King Holder, Rolling Stone, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unprofessional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unprofessional
  1. inexperienced
  2. amateur
  3. amateurish
Adjective
  • Anna will also be strong on offense and young, inexperienced defense.
    — Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026
  • And Fins have a secondary so inexperienced the guys might need asbestos uniforms against the expected torching.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of inexperienced
Adjective
  • What makes this solution a favorite for amateur home cooks and pro chefs alike?
    — Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Clooney’s nearby Italian residence was already as famous as him, and a stakeout spot for amateur and professional paparazzi.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of amateur
Adjective
  • In his lawsuit, Bonta referred to Bianco’s efforts to recount the ballots as amateurish and dubious.
    — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Attempts to go hyperrealistic can go too far and make the whole endeavor feel amateurish.
    — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026
Definition of amateurish

Browse Nearby Words

unproductive
unprofessional
unprofitability
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unprofessional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unprofessional. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of dissonant

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All