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

In his interview with the board, Villalobos addressed issues like enrollment decline, reading proficiency, school safety, curriculum, achievement gaps and more. — Miami Herald, 29 July 2026

Equal tool access doesn’t mean equal proficiency—deliberately spreading high-leverage skills raises everyone’s output, reduces knowledge silos and helps new or quieter voices contribute faster, building a genuinely stronger and more cohesive team. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

In the context of tens of thousands of DPS students who aren’t making gains quickly enough to ever meet proficiency levels, such fanfare is essentially distracting braggadocio. — Elaine Gantz Berman, Denver Post, 27 July 2026

For Beltrán, a native of Puerto Rico, his array of skills extended to proficiency in Spanish and English. — Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 24 July 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