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

• 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

Golden visa programs are sometimes considered unfair because holders of golden visas are able to purchase residency and citizenship in countries while bypassing language proficiency tests and residency requirements needed by the rest of the population. —Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

Of those, seven had higher student proficiency averages than CMS in 2024-25, while six had lower averages. —David Raynor, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025

Currently, the citizenship test used in the naturalization process includes a civics exam and an English exam to show proficiency in the language. —Rebecca Schneid, Time, 7 Sep. 2025

Wanda Woods enrolled because her father advised that typing proficiency would lead to jobs. —Paul Spann, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1544, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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