proficiency

noun

pro·​fi·​cien·​cy prə-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē How to pronounce proficiency (audio)
Synonyms of proficiencynext
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.
The driver had no valid commercial driver's license and could not meet the English language proficiency requirement. Karen Morfitt, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026 Researchers found that Latino students faced myriad challenges, including immigration issues, English proficiency and unstable housing that is linked to their parents’ employment status. Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026 Exposure Is Not Enough In the Reddit thread, commenters pointed to a decline in typing proficiency and basic troubleshooting skills as evidence that something has changed. Darlin Tillery, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026 State troopers said that up to half of truckers at some Florida weigh stations fail to meet English proficiency requirements. Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for proficiency

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of proficiency was in 1597

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Cite this Entry

“Proficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proficiency. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

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

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