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
This May Day push will not address the reading and math proficiency gaps present in CPS.
—
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
The Gulfton-area middle school was dedicated to recent immigrant and refugee students with little or no English language proficiency.
—Claire Partain, Houston Chronicle, 8 Apr. 2026
The income that a proficiency with needle and thread commands relative to the skills needed and the physical toll of bending over detailed work for hours likely discourages teenagers and young adults from heeding Bae’s advice, fashion industry experts said.
—Anne D’innocenzio, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2026
The driver had no valid commercial driver's license and could not meet the English language proficiency requirement.
—Karen Morfitt, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for proficiency
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The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
The Gulfton-area middle school was dedicated to recent immigrant and refugee students with little or no English language proficiency.
—Claire Partain, Houston Chronicle, 8 Apr. 2026
The income that a proficiency with needle and thread commands relative to the skills needed and the physical toll of bending over detailed work for hours likely discourages teenagers and young adults from heeding Bae’s advice, fashion industry experts said.
—Anne D’innocenzio, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2026
The driver had no valid commercial driver's license and could not meet the English language proficiency requirement.
—Karen Morfitt, CBS News, 4 Apr. 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 17 Apr. 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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