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

Wanda Woods enrolled because her father advised that typing proficiency would lead to jobs. —Paul Spann, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025

But proficiency levels didn't decline in every public school or district. —Elissa Robinson, Freep.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Navigating technical proficiency in the IP itself, along with related areas in finance, tax, and law are essential to build an adequate framework. —Priya Prakash Royal Esq. Ll.m. Mba Aep Tep, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025

And almost three-quarters of fourth-graders were below basic proficiency, compared with 47% in other large urban districts nationwide, according to the NAEP scores. —Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 26 Aug. 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