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
Singh allegedly failed to recognize three out of four highway traffic signs and answered just two questions out of 12 correctly in an English proficiency assessment delivered by transportation officials, Fox News Digital reported previously.
—
Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 2 Jan. 2026
Many truckers quit the industry after the introduction of enhanced English proficiency tests, where highway inspectors check for language proficiency and highway traffic sign competency.
—Nilesh Christopher Los Angeles Times, Arkansas Online, 27 Dec. 2025
The focus of the new Milwaukee Reading Coalition is on training teachers of children in early grades in all schools in Milwaukee about how to be effective in leading students to reading proficiency.
—Alan J. Borsuk, jsonline.com, 26 Dec. 2025
Industry experience and demonstrated proficiencies are among the top factors considered by employers surveyed in NACE’s Job Outlook 2026.
—IEEE Spectrum, 25 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for proficiency
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Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 2 Jan. 2026
Many truckers quit the industry after the introduction of enhanced English proficiency tests, where highway inspectors check for language proficiency and highway traffic sign competency.
—Nilesh Christopher Los Angeles Times, Arkansas Online, 27 Dec. 2025
The focus of the new Milwaukee Reading Coalition is on training teachers of children in early grades in all schools in Milwaukee about how to be effective in leading students to reading proficiency.
—Alan J. Borsuk, jsonline.com, 26 Dec. 2025
Industry experience and demonstrated proficiencies are among the top factors considered by employers surveyed in NACE’s Job Outlook 2026.
—IEEE Spectrum, 25 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for proficiency
Cite this Entry
“Proficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proficiency. Accessed 3 Jan. 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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