semiprofessional: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-FrequencyFormal & Informal
Quick answer
What does “semiprofessional” mean?
Someone who is paid for their work in a particular field but does not rely on it as their sole source of income or livelihood.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Someone who is paid for their work in a particular field but does not rely on it as their sole source of income or livelihood.
An activity, person, or organization that is conducted at a level below that of a fully professional standard, often alongside a main occupation or as a serious hobby.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The hyphenated form 'semi-professional' is slightly more common in British English, while the closed form 'semiprofessional' is more standard in American English, though both forms are understood in both varieties.
Connotations
Similar in both varieties. Can have a positive connotation (serious, dedicated amateur) or a slightly negative one (not as good/serious as a true professional), depending on context.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in sports and arts journalism in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “semiprofessional” in a Sentence
[ADJ] semiprofessional (e.g., a semiprofessional athlete)[ADV] semiprofessionally (e.g., He plays semiprofessionally.)[N] a semiprofessional (e.g., She is a semiprofessional.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “semiprofessional” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- She sings semi-professionally with a local choir.
- He has been coaching semi-professionally since retiring.
American English
- She sings semiprofessionally with a local band.
- He has been playing semiprofessionally since college.
adjective
British English
- He played in a semi-professional rugby league for ten years.
- She has a semi-professional interest in photography.
American English
- He played in a semiprofessional soccer league for ten years.
- She has a semiprofessional setup for her podcast.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might describe a consultant who also holds another job.
Academic
Rare, used in sociology of work or sports studies.
Everyday
Common in discussing sports, music, or other skilled hobbies.
Technical
Used in sports administration to classify leagues and players.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “semiprofessional”
- Confusing it with 'amateur' (which implies no payment) or 'professional' (full-time). Using 'semi-professional' as a verb (*He semi-professionals football).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. An amateur typically does not get paid. A semiprofessional receives payment, but the activity is not their primary, full-time occupation.
Both are correct. 'Semiprofessional' (closed) is more common in American English, while 'semi-professional' (hyphenated) is often seen in British English. Choose one and be consistent.
Yes. Example: 'The team is made up of amateurs and semiprofessionals.'
It is most frequently used in the context of sports (e.g., semiprofessional leagues) and the arts (e.g., semiprofessional musicians).
Someone who is paid for their work in a particular field but does not rely on it as their sole source of income or livelihood.
Semiprofessional is usually formal & informal in register.
Semiprofessional: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɛmɪprəˈfɛʃ(ə)nəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɛmaɪproʊˈfɛʃ(ə)nəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not commonly used in idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Semi' means half. A 'semiprofessional' is halfway to being a full professional.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CAREER/LIVELIHOOD IS A JOURNEY (stopping at a midpoint). A SKILL LEVEL IS A SCALE/LADDER (positioned between amateur and professional).
Practice
Quiz
What is the key implication of someone being described as 'semiprofessional'?