professional

Universal Words adjective, noun adjective 1 [onlybeforenoun] 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. * You must not let your personal reactions interfere with your professional judgement. 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: He dealt with the problem in a highly professional way. * Many of the performers were very professional. OPPAMATEUR 4 suitable or appropriate for sb working in a particular profession: professional conduct / misconduct OPPUNPROFESSIONAL 5 doing sth as a paid job rather than as a hobby: a professional golfer * After he won the amateur championship he turned professional. OPPAMATEUR 6 (of sport) done as a paid job rather than as a hobby: the world of professional football OPPAMATEUR compareNON-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 * You need a professional to sort out your finances. 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 OPPAMATEUR 3 (also informal pro) a person who has a lot of skill and experience: This was clearly a job for a real professional. OPPAMATEUR