profession

[pruh-fesh-uhn]

noun

1. a vocation requiring knowledge of some department of learning or science.

   the profession of teaching.

   Synonyms: employment, calling

2. any vocation or business.

3. the body of persons engaged in an occupation or calling.

   to be respected by the medical profession.

4. the act of professing; avowal; a declaration, whether true or false.

   professions of dedication.

   Synonyms: protestation, assertion, asseveration

5. the declaration of belief in or acceptance of religion or a faith.

   the profession of Christianity.

6. a religion or faith professed.

7. the declaration made on entering into membership of a church or religious order.

profession

/ prəˈfɛʃən /

noun

1. an occupation requiring special training in the liberal arts or sciences, esp one of the three learned professions, law, theology, or medicine

2. the body of people in such an occupation

3. the act of professing; avowal; declaration

4. 1. Also called: profession of faith. a declaration of faith in a religion, esp as made on entering the Church of that religion or an order belonging to it

   2. the faith or the religion that is the subject of such a declaration

Other Word Forms

• professionless noun
• nonprofession noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of profession¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English, from Medieval Latin professiōn-, stem of professiō “the taking of the vows of a religious order,” from profess(us) “declared publicly” ( professed ) + -iō -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of profession¹

C13: from Medieval Latin professiō the taking of vows upon entering a religious order, from Latin: public acknowledgment; see _profess

Synonym Study

See occupation.

Example Sentences

But maybe she would be better off returning to her previous profession: acting.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s easy to traffic in cheap jokes at the expense of professions most of the audience doesn’t hold in high regard or think about much, if at all.

From Salon

“You have to hustle to make it as a writer,” Gay observes when asked to reflect on the obstacles she and others in their profession face.

From Los Angeles Times

She reflects, “Some people feel like, ‘the arts are not a real job, not a real profession, and it’s too risky.’

From Los Angeles Times

Still, the rise of AI could shrink the workforce at certain companies, fueling anxiety among various professions such as screenwriting and coding.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• art 
• business 
• career 
• craft 
• employment 
• field 
• line of work www.thesaurus.com
• occupation 
• pursuit 
• role 
• situation 
• specialty 
• undertaking