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

Language arts proficiency rates dropped for half of the grades that took Colorado’s latest statewide achievement tests, while rates in mathematics held steady or increased, according to 2026 results released Wednesday. — Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2026

How Candidates Are Using AI to Cheat Generative AI tools allow candidates to rewrite resumes to match job descriptions, exaggerate experience, and present skills convincingly regardless of actual proficiency. — Kara Dennison, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

The decline nearly wiped out a seven-percentage-point increase in reading proficiency only a year prior. — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026

The experienced leader knows one of the keys to advancing Baltimore City Public Schools is improving student proficiency. — Kellye Lynn, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026

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