proficiency

noun

pro·​fi·​cien·​cy prə-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē How to pronounce proficiency (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Only New Mexico’s proficiency rates rank lower. Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 22 Oct. 2025 If the legislation passes, military training flights, proficiency flights and flights operating with federal officials below Cabinet level will all be required to broadcast their ADS-B data. Zach Wichter, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025 The biggest gain across all age groups was in English language arts for eighth graders, who increased their proficiency by 5 percentage points to 40%. Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 18 Oct. 2025 If Netflix can manage to keep the focus on Elordi through the precursor season and then lean on del Toro’s proficiency in the technical categories … listen, that Best Picture lineup needs to get to ten somehow. Joe Reid, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for proficiency

Word History

First Known Use

1544, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of proficiency was in 1544

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Cite this Entry

“Proficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proficiency. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

proficiency

noun
pro·​fi·​cien·​cy prə-ˈfish-ən-sē How to pronounce proficiency (audio)
plural proficiencies
: the quality or state of being proficient

More from Merriam-Webster on proficiency

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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