a professional hazard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a professional hazard" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to risks or dangers that are inherent to a particular profession or job. Example: "Working in emergency services can be rewarding, but it also comes with a professional hazard of exposure to traumatic situations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

But then it is a professional hazard of searching for Shakespeare that the best stories are not always what they seem.

The Guardian - Books

To be sure, the clearer and sharper the estimate, the clearer and sharper the mistake — but this is a professional hazard for the head of aman.

The New Yorker

NASA currently uses EMS to counterbalance the muscle atrophy that is a professional hazard to astronauts who spend long periods in outer space.

The New Yorker

The upshot is that death or rape threats are becoming a professional hazard of public life, while for everyone else the spite is a constant low buzz in the background, like an angry bee trapped behind a window.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's a professional hazard," one shrugged, before asking me if I knew where they could buy anti-aircraft missiles, because picking up a couple of lethal, surface-to-air military explosives is no big deal for a freelance journalist.

Vice

It is also a professional hazard to base assessments of the situation on the veracity and reliability of the accounts of the war as being made public by the warring factions.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Unfair perhaps, but, alas, unfairness is a timeless professional hazard of all political life.

The Guardian

For the civil servants who have to spend hundreds of hours monitoring Lords debates while fighting to stay awake, it marks the return of a painful professional hazard.

The Guardian

But he had not escaped another professional hazard: a sugary film, coating him head to boot.

The New York Times

The professional hazard, of which they seem only liminally conscious, is that it can be habit-forming, Hamlet's "stubborness" and "obstinate condolence".

The Guardian - Books

David Williams The Observer wine writer As someone with expensive tastes in wine and whisky (professional hazard) and cheese (just plain greed), I've been wary of developing an addiction to posh 'bean to bar' chocolate.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a professional hazard", ensure the context clearly identifies the profession and the specific risk being discussed. Be specific to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a professional hazard" to describe common inconveniences. This phrase is more appropriately used for significant risks or dangers inherent to a profession, not minor annoyances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a professional hazard" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It identifies a specific type of risk or danger associated with a particular profession. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's commonly found in contexts discussing inherent risks in various occupations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a professional hazard" is a noun phrase used to describe risks or dangers inherent to a particular profession. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in both formal and informal contexts, though most commonly found in news and media and science. The phrase serves to inform or acknowledge the existence of specific risks related to an occupation. When using this phrase, it's best to be specific about the risk and the profession to ensure clarity. Alternatives include "occupational hazard" or "job-related risk".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

occupational hazard

Replaces "professional" with "occupational", indicating a risk associated with a job or profession.

occupational risk

Another way to say "occupational hazard", highlighting the risk factor.

inherent risk of the profession

Emphasizes that the risk is a natural part of the profession.

on-the-job hazard

Focuses on the hazards encountered while actively working.

job-related risk

Uses simpler terms to describe a risk associated with a job.

work-related danger

Similar to "job-related risk" but uses "work" instead of "job".

workplace danger

Focuses on the dangerous aspects of a work environment.

career pitfall

Highlights potential difficulties or mistakes one might encounter in a career.

peril of the trade

A more idiomatic way of expressing the risks inherent in a specific occupation.

challenges of the profession

Broadly refers to difficulties and obstacles, not necessarily just risks.

FAQs

How can "a professional hazard" be used in a sentence?

You can use "a professional hazard" to describe risks inherent to a profession, such as, "Dealing with aggressive individuals is "a professional hazard" for law enforcement officers."

What's an alternative to saying "a professional hazard"?

Alternatives include "occupational hazard", "job-related risk", or "workplace danger", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a professional hazard" in formal writing?

Yes, "a professional hazard" is suitable for formal writing, especially in fields like occupational safety, healthcare, and journalism, where discussing job-related risks is common. Other possibilities include "career pitfall" or "inherent risk of the profession".

Can "a professional hazard" apply to any job?

Yes, but it's most appropriate when the risk is significant and directly linked to the job's duties. For instance, exposure to radiation is "a professional hazard" for radiologists.