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

With models’ growing proficiency in biology comes their expanding potential for misuse, such as by assisting in the design or weaponization of enhanced viruses. — Doni Bloomfield, STAT, 21 July 2026

The district cited students’ declining math and English language arts proficiency and a drop-off in the number of graduates attending college — despite Oakland Unified Office of Charter Schools staff recommending renewal. — Molly Gibbs, Mercury News, 19 July 2026

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Asrarov also failed an English-language proficiency test administered after the crash. — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2026

The proficiency gap and the perception gap turn out to be the same gap. — Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 10 July 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