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

Schwinn enjoyed a good reputation among national conservative education advocates for her work in Tennessee to boost reading proficiency and target pandemic relief dollars toward academic recovery. —Erica Meltzer, The Tennessean, 2 Aug. 2025

The Foundation: Mindset Recruiters usually tend to focus on objective, role-relevant skills and tools proficiency. —Milos Eric, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025

That compares to an 82% proficiency rate among housed students. —Ethan Hylton, IndyStar, 30 July 2025

For the workforce at large, AI proficiency is emerging as one of today’s most lucrative skill investments. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 July 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