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

Training should produce portable skills and credentials that remain valuable across employers, rather than proficiency in one company’s software or business processes. — Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

On average, students lose one to three months of reading proficiency during summer break, according to the Northwest Evaluation Association, an organization that develops academic assessments for K-12 students. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026

The test scores refer to state English and math proficiency rates among special education students. — Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026

This year, 65% of Broward students in grades 3-10 showed proficiency in the English and language arts tests, up from 61% last year. — Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 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