professionpro‧fes‧sion /prəˈfeʃən/ ●●○ W3 noun 
members of the teaching professionenter/go into/join a profession Some students enter other professions such as arts administration. people who work in the professions (=doctors, lawyers etc)by profession Johnson was a barrister by profession. nurses, social workers, and other people in the caring professions (=ones that involve looking after people)► see thesaurus at job2[singular] all the people who work in a particular profession: the medical professionGRAMMAR: Singular or plural verb?• In this meaning, profession is usually followed by a singular verb: · Our profession has been keen to use new technology.• In British English, you can also use a plural verb: · Our profession have been keen to use new technology.Grammar guide ‒ NOUNS3[countable] formal a statement of your belief, opinion, or feelingprofession of a profession of faith4the oldest profession the job of being a prostitute – used humorouslyCOLLOCATIONS– Meanings 1 & 2ADJECTIVES/NOUN + professionthe legal profession· He followed his father into the legal profession.the medical profession· The medical profession is still divided about the main cause of heart attacks.the teaching profession· There are not enough physicists entering the teaching profession.the accountancy/accounting profession· Many economics graduates enter the accountancy profession.the nursing profession· Mary had retired from the nursing profession.the caring professions (=ones that involve looking after people)· A high proportion of people in the caring professions are women.verbsenter/go into/join a profession· Hugh intended to enter the medical profession.leave a profession· Why do you want to leave the profession?phrasesa member of a profession· Some members of the medical profession supported the use of these drugs.reach/be at the top of your profession· He was a very highly respected man, at the top of his profession.
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- I'm a writer - that's my profession.
- In 1950, Jones entered the teaching profession.
- Many teachers are thinking about leaving the profession for more highly paid careers.
- She was surprised by Clark's profession of love for her.
- There are now a lot more women in the legal profession.
- There was a big demand for accountants in the 1980s, and many graduates entered the profession at this time.
- Both professions are concerned with the application to commercial life of rules that often embody generalised concepts.
- However, it is vital that the therapist, whatever his or her profession, has received satisfactory training in such counselling.
- If the profession does not take up the challenge others will, and an opportunity will have been missed.
- In a profession where nearly everyone is always looking for a better job, Zampese is content.
- Marshall saw economics as a profession that should blend shrewd science with a devotion to people.
- These are likely to be professions like law, engineering, medicine.
- Touting for criminal business was and is well recognised within the profession, and those in close contact with it.
THESAURUS
noun [countable] the regular paid work that you do for an employer: · a full-time job· John got a job in a car factory.
noun [uncountable] activities that you are paid for doing – used either when you work for an employer or when you work in your own business: · I started work when I was 18.· He graduated from college last year and is still looking for work.
noun [countable] a job for which you need special education and training: · There are now a lot more women in the legal profession.· Many teachers are leaving the profession.
noun [countable] formal a job, or a type of job – often used on official documents: · Please give your name, age, and occupation.· a traditionally male occupation
noun [countable] the work you do or plan to do for most of your life: · I’m interested in a career in journalism.
noun [countable] formal a particular job within an organization: · I am writing to apply for the position of technical assistant.· We regret that the position has already been filled.· Please state the position which you are applying for.
noun [countable] formal a job, especially an important one in a large organization: · She has held the post of managing director for two years.· He applied for the post of Senior Manager.
noun [countable] a job that is available for someone to do: · The hospital has been unable to fill the vacancy.· There are very few openings in scientific research.
noun [countable] an important job which someone is asked to do: · He took an appointment as US trade ambassador in Geneva.
noun [countable] a situation in which someone is sent somewhere to do a job for a period of time by the organization they work for: · This was his first posting outside the UK.· an overseas posting· His next posting took him to the Ministry of Defence.
noun [countable] a job that involves using your hands, and for which you need special training: · Most of the men had worked in skilled trades such as carpentry and printing.
noun [uncountable] the fact of having a job: · The factory will provide employment for local people.· She was offered employment in the sales office.
Longman Language Activatora doctor someone whose job is to treat people who are sick or injured: · Doctor, I keep getting a pain in my throat.· Tracy is interested in journalism, but Sarah wants to be a doctor.· She looks very ill - you'd better call a doctor.see a doctor (=visit a doctor so that they can examine you): · I went to see the doctor about my cough but she said there was nothing wrong with me.the doctor's (=the place where the doctor works): · "Where's Karen?" "She's at the doctor's."Doctor Smith/Jones etc: · I'd like to make an appointment to see Doctor Patel some time this morning.Dr Smith/Jones etc written abbreviation: · Dr Harrington has warned that the NHS is in serious need of greater funding.
American formal a doctor: · People with heart problems should talk to their physician before making the trip.
British a doctor who is trained in general medicine and treats the people who live in a local area: · If your GP can't help you he will refer you to a specialist.· A lot of GPs are too quick to prescribe drugs, instead of letting the body get better on its own.
a doctor who has special knowledge of a particular illness, part of the body, or type of medical treatment: · The doctor arranged for Marcel to see a top specialist in Paris.eye/heart/cancer etc specialist: · Professor Holloway, an eye specialist, organized a national survey of eye diseases in children.specialist in: · Professor Williams is one of the world's leading specialists in radiotherapy.
British a doctor who has special knowledge of a particular area of medicine and is in charge of a hospital department: · The consultant told Jean that an operation was necessary to save her life.consultant psychologist/paediatrician etc: · Dr Jamieson is the consultant psychologist at St Andrew's hospital.
a doctor who does operations in a hospital: · The surgeon told reporters that Sara was making good progress after the heart transplant.heart/brain/eye etc surgeon: · A famous brain surgeon from Boston performed the operation.
American someone who has nearly finished their training as a doctor and works in a hospital: · She refused to be treated by an intern and demanded to see a qualified doctor.
doctors, nurses etc considered as a group: · The magazine's chief function is to keep the medical profession up to date with the latest advances and drugs.· These proposals are unpopular with most of the medical profession.
a job the work that you do regularly in order to earn money, especially when you work for an employer: · My first job was in a record store.· Daniel starts his new job on Monday.· She has a well-paid job in the tax department.get a job: · Ted got a job as a bartender.find a job (=get a job after trying to get a lot of different jobs): · Her son still hasn't been able to find a job.look for a job (=try to get one): · She's looking for a job in the music business.hold a job (=have a job): · If a woman is qualified, she should hold any job in government she wants.part-time job (=when you work less than the usual number of hours each week): · I had a part-time job while I was in college.job losses/job cuts (=when a lot of people lose their jobs): · The company announced 74,000 job cuts and 21 factory closures.
work that someone does regularly to earn money, either by working for an employer or working for themselves: · My father started work when he was 14.· Most people stop work when they are 65.· I usually start work each day around 9 am and finish about 6 pm.· The work's really interesting but the pay's lousy.look for work (=to try to get work): · Lena graduated from college six months ago and she's still looking for work.find work (=to get work): · He eventually found work as a labourer on a construction site.return to work/go back to work (=to start work again after several weeks, months, or years): · Women often return to work after they have had children.· His injuries have made it impossible for him to go back to work.at work (=at the place where you work): · Her mother tried to call her at home and then at work.to work (=to the place where you work): · Alexander commutes 30 miles to work each day.after/before work (=before you start or after you finish your work each day): · They sometimes play tennis after work.
work such as law, medicine, or teaching, for which you need special training and education: · Many teachers are thinking about leaving the profession for more highly paid careers.the teaching/medical/legal etc profession: · There are now a lot more women in the legal profession.go into/enter a profession: · There was a big demand for accountants in the 1980s, and many graduates entered the profession at this time.
the type of work that someone usually does - used especially on official forms: · Please write your name, address, and occupation in the spaces below.· Part-time workers often work in low-paid occupations.
the general type of work that you do, such as buying and selling a particular type of thing: · In our business the first rule is that the customer is always right.· "What type of business are you in?'' "I run a catering company.''the newspaper/used-car/movie etc business: · The used-car business has a pretty bad reputation.
spoken use this to ask what someone's job is: · What does your husband do?· She used to work for an accounting firm, but I'm not sure what she does now.
a skilled job in which you use your hands to do things, such as building houses, making furniture, or repairing cars: · Most of the men had worked in skilled trades such as carpentry or printing.· Young men and women can learn a trade in the military.be a bricklayer/carpenter etc by trade: · His father had been a bricklayer by trade.
the type of work that you do for most of your working life, which involves several similar jobs over a long period of time: · Like his father, Tommy chose a career in the Army.· Later on in his career he became first secretary at the British Embassy in Washington.· The scandal destroyed his career as a politician.career in: · I wanted to find out more about careers in publishing.
a job such as being a nurse, priest, or teacher that you do because you have a strong feeling that you want to do it, especially because you want to help people: · Nursing is hard work and often low paid, but for many people it is a vocation.· He was quite young when he decided he had a religious vocation.
the work that you do in order to earn enough money to live on or the thing that provides the work for you to do: · Most of the people here depend on tourism for their livelihood.· Fishermen are angry about the new EC fishing regulations because they feel that their livelihood is being threatened.
the type of work or job that you do: · I meet some interesting people in my line of work.· Henson had to leave real-estate, which had been his line of business since 1969.
when people work or have jobs - used especially in official documents, news reports etc: · I have not yet signed a contract of employment.· A Japanese company plans to set up a factory in the area, so this should provide some employment for local people.be in employment (=have a job): · Are you in full-time employment, Mr Edwards?
WORD SETSaccountant, nounactuary, nounadministrator, nounadviser, nounadvocate, nounamanuensis, nounarchivist, nounarmourer, nounauctioneer, nounaudiotypist, nounbackroom boy, nounbailiff, nounbaker, nounbanker, nounbarber, nounbargee, nounbarkeeper, nounbarker, nounbarmaid, nounbarman, nounbartender, nounbeachcomber, nounbeadle, nounbellboy, nounbellhop, nounbiographer, nounblacksmith, nounboatman, nounboatswain, nounbodyguard, nounboffin, nounbombardier, nounbookseller, nounboss, nounbotanist, nounbouncer, nounbreeder, nounbricklayer, nounbuckaroo, nounbuilder, nounbureaucrat, nounbutcher, nounbutler, nounbuyer, nouncabin boy, nouncabinet-maker, nouncareer counselor, nouncareers officer, nouncaretaker, nouncarpenter, nouncarter, nouncashier, nouncaterer, nounCEO, nouncertified public accountant, nounchairman, nounchambermaid, nounchandler, nounchar, nouncharlady, nouncharwoman, nounchef, nounchief executive officer, nounchief of staff, nounchildminder, nounchimney sweep, nouncleaner, nounclerk, nounclothier, nounclown, nouncoastguard, nouncobbler, nouncocktail waitress, nouncollier, nouncomedian, nouncomedienne, nouncomic, nouncommercial traveller, nouncommissionaire, nouncompositor, nounconcierge, nounconfectioner, nounconsultant, nouncook, nouncooper, nouncopy editor, nouncopywriter, nouncorrespondent, nouncostermonger, nouncounsellor, nouncourier, nouncowboy, nouncowgirl, nouncowhand, nouncowpoke, nounCPA, nouncraftsman, nouncrew, nouncrewman, nouncrofter, nouncroupier, nouncurator, nouncustodian, noundaily, noundairymaid, noundairyman, noundelivery man, noundesigner, noundesk clerk, noundetective, noundick, noundietician, noundinner lady, noundisc jockey, noundispatch rider, noundistrict nurse, noundiver, nounDJ, noundocent, noundocker, noundogcatcher, noundog warden, noundomestic, noundomestic service, noundoorkeeper, noundoorman, noundowser, noundramatist, noundraper, noundraughtsman, noundressmaker, noundriver, noundrover, noundruggist, noundustbin man, noundustman, nouneducationalist, nouneducator, nounelectrician, nounengineer, nounescort, nounessayist, nounestate agent, nounexecutive, nounfarmer, nounfarmhand, nounfarrier, nounfire chief, nounfirefighter, nounfireman, nounfirst mate, nounfirst officer, nounfishmonger, nounfitter, nounflorist, nounflower girl, nounforeman, nounforewoman, nounfrogman, nounfruiterer, nounfunctionary, nounfuneral director, nounfurrier, noungaffer, noungamekeeper, noungarbage collector, noungarbage man, noungardener, noungatekeeper, noungaucho, noungendarme, nounghost writer, nounglazier, noungoatherd, noungoldsmith, noungondolier, noungoverness, noungovernor, noungravedigger, noungreengrocer, noungrip, noungrocer, noungroom, noungroundsman, nounground staff, nounguard, nounguest worker, nounguide, noungunner, noungunsmith, nounhack, nounhandler, nounhandmaiden, nounhandyman, nounhangman, nounharvester, nounhatter, nounhawker, nounheadhunter, nounhead teacher, nounhelper, nounherald, nounherbalist, nounherdsman, nounhired hand, nounhireling, nounhistorian, nounhomemaker, nounhomeworker, nounhouse husband, nounhousewife, nouniceman, nounillustrator, nounimpersonator, nounimpresario, nounindustrialist, nouninnkeeper, nouninspector, nouninterior decorator, nouninterpreter, nouninvestigator, nounjanitor, nounjester, nounjeweller, nounjoiner, nounjourno, nounJP, nounjudge, nounkeeper, nounlamplighter, nounlandlady, nounlandlord, nounlibrarian, nounlocksmith, nounlongshoreman, nounmagician, nounmaid, nounmaid of honour, nounmaidservant, nounmail carrier, nounmailman, nounmaitre d', nounmajordomo, nounman, nounmanagement consultant, nounmanservant, nounmason, nounmasseur, nounmasseuse, nounmatador, nounmathematician, nounmechanic, nounmedic, nounmenial, adjectivemenial, nounmerchant seaman, nounmidwife, nounmilkmaid, nounmilkman, nounmilliner, nounminder, nounminer, nounminiaturist, nounminister, nounmodel, nounmortician, nounmover, nounmovie star, nounnanny, nounnavvy, nounnewscaster, nounnewsreader, nounnight porter, nounnight watchman, nounnovelist, nounnumber cruncher, nounnurse, nounnursemaid, nounnurseryman, nounnursery nurse, nounnursing, nounobstetrician, nounoccupation, nounodd-job man, nounoilman, nounold salt, nounoptician, nounostler, nounpacker, nounpaediatrician, nounpaediatrics, nounpageboy, nounpainter, nounpalmist, nounpaperboy, nounpaper girl, nounpaper-pusher, nounparachutist, nounparalegal, nounparamedic, nounpark keeper, nounparliamentarian, nounpathology, nounpawnbroker, nounpeasant, nounpedlar, nounpen pusher, nounpensioner, nounperformer, nounpersonal assistant, nounpharmacist, nounphotographer, nounpipe fitter, nounplanter, nounplasterer, nounplaywright, nounploughman, nounplumber, nounpoet, nounpolice, nounporter, nounpostman, nounpotter, nounpractitioner, nounprinter, nounprivate detective, nounprivate eye, nounprivate investigator, nounprivate practice, nounprivate secretary, nounpro, nounpro, adjectiveprobation officer, nounprofession, nounprofessional, adjectiveprofessional, nounprofessionally, adverbprogrammer, nounproperty developer, nounprostitute, nounpsychiatrist, nounpsychiatry, nounpsychoanalyst, nounpublican, nounpublic defender, nounpublicist, nounpublic prosecutor, nounpublic relations, nounpublisher, nounpurser, nounquantity surveyor, nounquestion master, nounrabbi, nounradiographer, nounradiologist, nounrag-and-bone-man, nounrancher, nounranger, nounreal estate agent, nounreceptionist, nounrecruit, nounrector, nounregistrar, nounrepo man, nounreporter, nounrestaurateur, nounretailer, nounreviewer, nounroadie, nounroad manager, nounrookie, nounroughneck, nounroustabout, nounsailor, nounsalesclerk, nounsalesgirl, nounsalesman, nounsalesperson, nounsales representative, nounsaleswoman, nounsanitation worker, nounscalper, nounschoolmaster, nounschoolmistress, nounschoolteacher, nounscout, nounscout, verbscrew, nounscribe, nounscrubber, nounsea captain, nounseaman, nounseamstress, nounsecretary, nounsecurity guard, nounsemi-professional, adjectiveservant, nounshepherd, nounshepherdess, nounship's chandler, nounshipwright, nounshoemaker, nounshopkeeper, nounsilversmith, nounsmith, nounsoldier, nounsoldier of fortune, nounspaceman, nounspiv, nounstallholder, nounstationer, nounsteeplejack, nounsteersman, nounsteno, nounstenographer, nounstevedore, nounstockbroker, nounstoker, nounstorekeeper, nounstraight man, nounstringer, nounstructural engineer, nounstylist, nounsubmariner, nounsuperintendent, nounsurveyor, nounsweep, nounswineherd, nountailor, nountanner, nountaster, nountattooist, nountaxidermist, nounteamster, nountelecommuter, nounteller, nountemp, nountemp, verbtinker, nountobacconist, nountown crier, nountrade, nountradesman, nountraffic warden, nountranslator, nountrapper, nountravel agent, nountravelling salesman, nountreasurer, nountroubleshooter, nountrucker, nounturner, nountypist, nountypographer, nounundertaker, noununderwriter, nounusher, nounusherette, nounusurer, nounvalet, nounvaluer, nounvice-president, nounvideo jockey, nounvillein, nounvintner, nounvocation, nounvocational, adjectivewaiter, nounwaitress, nounwallah, nounwarden, nounwarder, nounwasherwoman, nounwatchmaker, nounwatchman, nounweaver, nounwelder, nounwhaler, nounwheelwright, nounwindow cleaner, nounwindow dresser, nounwoodcutter, nounwoodsman, nounworkman, nounWPC, nounwrangler, nounwriter, nounyeoman, nounzoo-keeper, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Meanings 1 & 2ADJECTIVES/NOUN + profession Many of the caring professions are badly paid.
· He followed his father into the legal profession.
· The medical profession is still divided about the main cause of heart attacks.
· There are not enough physicists entering the teaching profession.
· Many economics graduates enter the accountancy profession.
· Mary had retired from the nursing profession.
(=ones that involve looking after people)· A high proportion of people in the caring professions are women.
verbs· Hugh intended to enter the medical profession.
· Why do you want to leave the profession?
phrases· Some members of the medical profession supported the use of these drugs.
· He was a very highly respected man, at the top of his profession.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Many of the caring professions are badly paid. (=lawyers)
(=doctors, nurses, and other people who treat people who are ill)
(=teachers, or the career of teaching)· Many of our undergraduates subsequently enter the teaching profession.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE· Given the recent events in Orkney and elsewhere, promoting social work as a caring profession must restore faith in its activities.· She was admirably suited to membership of a caring profession.· After the cars came representatives of the caring professions and local charities.· Disabled people are widely discriminated against in most types of employment including the health and caring professions.
· In contrast to Hocazade, Civizade came from a very favourable background from the point of view of the learned profession.· Besides muderrises and kadis, one other group within the learned profession deserves brief mention, namely the muftis.
· The core of the problem is simply that the judiciary is the creature of the legal profession.· This is a question that perplexes many outside the legal profession who do not fully appreciate or understand our constitutional rights.· It was upon them that the legal profession focussed in the early 1970s in an attempt to improve its tarnished public image.· Moskovitz speaks right up in defense of the legal profession.· However, there remains reluctance and hesitation in some quarters of the legal profession.· It is likely that in future further legal professions or professional bodies as appropriate will be added to the two lists.· New York-based Martindale-Hubbell publishes an eight-volume guide to the legal profession which contains entries for 700,000 lawyers and 44,000 law firms.· This is a quite extraordinarily narrow group within the legal profession.
· The medical profession has known this for some time, though, so it's hardly hot news.· Nor will limiting the rights of the people doctors injure cure the negligence of the medical profession.· This surface interval between leaving the bell and entering the decompression chamber, became a point of contention within the medical profession.· But the medical profession is not the only group targeted by the new seven-page plan.· No pressure group within the medical profession is lobbying for the right to save men's lives by regularly examining the prostate.· It not only is found among the uninformed but, unfortunately, also has lingered within the medical profession.· Like the contagious diseases defeat, Simon's resignation was received as a serious blow by the medical profession.· The medical profession was deeply divided over eugenics.
· Some former students have entered other professions such as librarianship or arts administration.· They pass on about 13 years earlier than those in other professions.· Certainly they compare favourably with those of other professions.· The Committee will consider whether other professions should be added to this list as and when requested to do so.· The other professions are, however, represented.· It may also involve comparison with other professions and other occupations and not just with rewards within the organisation.· Medicine differs from many other professions, however, in the huge amount of teaching expected from all of its practitioners.· Graduates often enter other professions such as those of the actuary, accountant, and operational research scientist.
NOUN· There will be no outcry from the corporate sector about the disarray in the accountancy profession.· On the other hand the accountancy profession has only contributed, to a limited extent, to improving commercial and professional accountability.· For over a century the accountancy profession has built its reputation on three foundation stones: objectivity, integrity and competence.· The bases and policies used by the audit should be generally acceptable both to the accountancy profession and to the business community.· The problems faced by the accountancy profession are of its own making.· Many proceed to the accountancy profession or financial institutions but a wide range of other employment is available.
· The teaching profession is in disarray, speaking with no coherent voice.· And that the Department could make better use of the great store of experience within the teaching profession during the consultation process.· In 1904 he left the teaching profession to become missioner to the deaf in Carlisle for the next thirty-one years.· It is vital that the teaching profession has full confidence in the processes of career development and advancement.· Despite her failure to enter the teaching profession, she's now published a book promoting phonetic teaching.· Friends with children and those in the teaching profession all wanted to visit us then, in the school holiday time.· I look forward to that beginning to apply to the teaching profession.· But in the late 1960s the relative autonomy of the teaching profession over the curriculum came increasingly under attack.
VERB· Despite her failure to enter the teaching profession, she's now published a book promoting phonetic teaching.· Some former students have entered other professions such as librarianship or arts administration.· His wife has never been active in the business and his only child has entered another profession.· One way of entering the teaching profession in those days was by being a Pupil Teacher.· The vocational course in architecture seeks to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to enter the profession.· Graduates often enter other professions such as those of the actuary, accountant, and operational research scientist.· Most first-year students want a programme which leaves open the option of entering the legal profession and of taking an honours degree.· The medical students, in entering a traditionally conservative profession, were obliged to subscribe to conventionally repressive attitudes.
· We also owe it to the teaching profession to have an evidence-based approach to school improvement.· In general, unprofessional conduct refers to any action that violates the rules or ethical code of the teaching profession.· The teaching profession seemed full at the time.· There is no market system that allows the teaching profession to compete effectively in the labor market for the best college graduates.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY
- To see Lascaux is to recognize that the oldest profession may very well be artist.
- Tomming is the oldest profession in the world.
WORD FAMILYnounprofessionprofessionalprofessionalismadverbprofessionallyunprofessionallyadjectiveprofessional ≠ unprofessional
1[countable] a job that needs a high level of education and trainingthe legal/medical/teaching etc profession members of the teaching professionenter/go into/join a profession Some students enter other professions such as arts administration. people who work in the professions (=doctors, lawyers etc)by profession Johnson was a barrister by profession. nurses, social workers, and other people in the caring professions (=ones that involve looking after people)► see thesaurus at job2[singular] all the people who work in a particular profession: the medical professionGRAMMAR: Singular or plural verb?• In this meaning, profession is usually followed by a singular verb: · Our profession has been keen to use new technology.• In British English, you can also use a plural verb: · Our profession have been keen to use new technology.Grammar guide ‒ NOUNS3[countable] formal a statement of your belief, opinion, or feelingprofession of a profession of faith4the oldest profession the job of being a prostitute – used humorouslyCOLLOCATIONS– Meanings 1 & 2ADJECTIVES/NOUN + professionthe legal profession· He followed his father into the legal profession.the medical profession· The medical profession is still divided about the main cause of heart attacks.the teaching profession· There are not enough physicists entering the teaching profession.the accountancy/accounting profession· Many economics graduates enter the accountancy profession.the nursing profession· Mary had retired from the nursing profession.the caring professions (=ones that involve looking after people)· A high proportion of people in the caring professions are women.verbsenter/go into/join a profession· Hugh intended to enter the medical profession.leave a profession· Why do you want to leave the profession?phrasesa member of a profession· Some members of the medical profession supported the use of these drugs.reach/be at the top of your profession· He was a very highly respected man, at the top of his profession.