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
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
Her students have consistently shown growth and proficiency on state exams.
—
Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2026
By 2024, the final year before Illinois changed its proficiency standards, that figure had dropped to about 31%.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2026
The data also predicted a slightly lower proportion of students scored at a passing proficiency level in math at Dobie and in reading and math at Webb.
—Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 17 Jan. 2026
As the New York Times recently reported in great detail, Mississippi was 49th in fourth-grade reading proficiency in 2013, but state leaders acknowledged the damage and decided to do something about it.
—Dan Walters, Mercury News, 17 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for proficiency
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Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2026
By 2024, the final year before Illinois changed its proficiency standards, that figure had dropped to about 31%.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2026
The data also predicted a slightly lower proportion of students scored at a passing proficiency level in math at Dobie and in reading and math at Webb.
—Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 17 Jan. 2026
As the New York Times recently reported in great detail, Mississippi was 49th in fourth-grade reading proficiency in 2013, but state leaders acknowledged the damage and decided to do something about it.
—Dan Walters, Mercury News, 17 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for proficiency
Cite this Entry
“Proficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proficiency. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
proficiency
noun
pro·fi·cien·cy
prə-ˈfish-ən-sē
plural proficiencies
: the quality or state of being proficient
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