proficiency

noun

pro·​fi·​cien·​cy prə-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē How to pronounce proficiency (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Frank used this strategy at Brentford, particularly with Raya and Toney, allowing a third-man runner to profit from his aerial proficiency. Elias Burke, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025 Critics argue that golden visas allow applicants to bypass residency requirements that apply to the rest of the population, such as language proficiency and the need to be in a country for a specific duration before applying. Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025 The threshold for proficiency in science according to a student’s exam score is too low, while the proficiency threshold for a student in English language arts and math is too high. Kate Perez, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2025 When assessment results were released in October 2024, Education Commissioner Robbie Fletcher highlighted the low level of students proficient in science, which lagged behind proficiency scores in other subjects and had decreased in all grade levels from the year prior. Krista Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 12 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for proficiency

Word History

First Known Use

1544, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of proficiency was in 1544

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Cite this Entry

“Proficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proficiency. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

proficiency

noun
pro·​fi·​cien·​cy prə-ˈfish-ən-sē How to pronounce proficiency (audio)
plural proficiencies
: the quality or state of being proficient

More from Merriam-Webster on proficiency

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