proficiency

noun

pro·​fi·​cien·​cy prə-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē How to pronounce proficiency (audio)
Synonyms of proficiencynext
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.
In April, the president signed another order directing Duffy to ensure that commercial truck drivers who fail to meet English proficiency requirements are taken out of service. Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 10 Dec. 2025 As alluded to earlier, the Chicago sophomore will have his newfound proficiency tested by three of the NFL’s better defenses. Kevin Cusick, Twin Cities, 7 Dec. 2025 Ednium drove the effort to require financial literacy proficiency of all Colorado high school graduates. Anna Alejo, CBS News, 3 Dec. 2025 People in Silicon Valley, where Greely lives,are most interested in influencing their offspring’s intelligence, personality, musical and sports ability, and proficiency in math. Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 29 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for proficiency

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of proficiency was in 1597

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Cite this Entry

“Proficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proficiency. Accessed 14 Dec. 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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