What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
subprofessional
Example
The subprofessional staff at the hospital includes nursing assistants and lab technicians. [subprofessional: adjective]
Example
He was hired as a subprofessional in the IT department, responsible for basic troubleshooting and maintenance. [subprofessional: noun]
unprofessional
Example
It was unprofessional of her to show up late to the meeting without any explanation. [unprofessional: adjective]
Example
His unprofessional conduct towards clients led to his termination from the company. [unprofessional: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unprofessional is more commonly used than subprofessional in everyday language, as it is a more versatile term that can apply to a wide range of situations. Subprofessional is a less common term that is typically used in specific contexts related to certain occupations or fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between subprofessional and unprofessional?
Both subprofessional and unprofessional are generally considered informal terms, although unprofessional may be used in more formal settings to describe serious breaches of conduct or ethics.
