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

Industry experience and demonstrated proficiencies are among the top factors considered by employers surveyed in NACE’s Job Outlook 2026. —IEEE Spectrum, 25 Dec. 2025

Their progress is monitored and evaluated, and reading classes are regularly rearranged so that students are always grouped with others at similar levels of proficiency. —David Owen, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025

That means shooting proficiency. —Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 19 Dec. 2025

Kristina was voted out of Survivor 49 in fifth place during Wednesday night's finale when Savannah Louie convinced allies Sophi Balerdi and Rizo Velovic to vote her out instead of Sage Ahrens-Nichols due to Kristina's proficiency at fire. —Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Dec. 2025

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