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

Additional data that may be compromised include Disability and Section 504 status, eligibility for certain programs and English language proficiency information statewide assessment registration, participation and results. — Tim Fang, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

The study also found no relationship between the number of assessments students took and their proficiency or growth in English or mathematics. — Liza Bondurant, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2026

Cheung said the training is intended to teach students that intimate examinations require more than medical knowledge and technical proficiency. — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 18 Oct. 2026

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

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