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

Synonyms of proficiency

• mastery
• experience
• IQ
• mastership
• command

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

His proficiency, buoyed by his expensive taste and skill in daisy-chaining images together, got his foot in the door of the indie-rap revitalization. — Matthew Ritchie, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2026

The flight simulator focuses on pilot proficiency, while the maintenance trainer is intended to develop the technical skills needed to keep aircraft available for missions. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026

But technical proficiency with AI is only part of the equation. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026

This includes warp and weft knitting, dyeing, digital, flat-bed and heat-transfer printing, stentering and finishing proficiencies. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for proficiency

• deficiency
• efficiency
• sufficiency
• immunodeficiency
• inefficiency
• insufficiency

Kids Definition

proficiency

noun

pro·​fi·​cien·​cy prə-ˈfish-ən-sē 

plural proficiencies

: the quality or state of being proficient