proficiency
noun
pro·fi·cien·cy
prə-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē 
1
: advancement in knowledge or skill : progress
2
: the quality or state of being proficient
Examples of proficiency in a Sentence
surprised by his proficiency at the game after only the briefest explanation of the rules
acquired proficiency at golf through long hours of practice
Recent Examples on the Web
In 1921, the Republican majorities in the Legislature and governor’s office required a demonstration of fifth-grade English reading and writing proficiency to register to vote.
—
Robert Polner, New York Daily News, 13 June 2026
Look at students’ abysmal proficiency rates in the state of Illinois and tell me a federal program is not needed.
—Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2026
Unlike people whose proficiency in English is low, AAE speakers are not counted as a distinct linguistic group, so the scale of the harm is undocumented.
—Carol Rose Little, The Conversation, 12 June 2026
During an up-and-down first season on Tyneside, Ramsey ended the campaign with positive momentum and the 25-year-old has the athleticism, but more importantly the technical proficiency, to help Newcastle improve their on-the-ball approach.
—Chris Waugh, New York Times, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for proficiency
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Robert Polner, New York Daily News, 13 June 2026
Look at students’ abysmal proficiency rates in the state of Illinois and tell me a federal program is not needed.
—Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2026
Unlike people whose proficiency in English is low, AAE speakers are not counted as a distinct linguistic group, so the scale of the harm is undocumented.
—Carol Rose Little, The Conversation, 12 June 2026
During an up-and-down first season on Tyneside, Ramsey ended the campaign with positive momentum and the 25-year-old has the athleticism, but more importantly the technical proficiency, to help Newcastle improve their on-the-ball approach.
—Chris Waugh, New York Times, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for proficiency
Cite this Entry
“Proficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proficiency. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
proficiency
noun
pro·fi·cien·cy
prə-ˈfish-ən-sē
plural proficiencies
: the quality or state of being proficient
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