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
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
Reading proficiency has dipped 4 percentage points since 2019 as schools have struggled to make up for pandemic learning losses.
—
CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026
Just 29% of the state’s students showed proficiency, down two percentage points from 2022.
—Dan Walters, Oc Register, 26 Feb. 2026
In Illinois, there are still wide gaps in proficiency rates between white, Black and Latino students in both English language arts and math.
—Willie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
Benefits to learning a language as an adult Pronunciation is only one part of language proficiency.
—Karen Stollznow, The Conversation, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for proficiency
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CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026
Just 29% of the state’s students showed proficiency, down two percentage points from 2022.
—Dan Walters, Oc Register, 26 Feb. 2026
In Illinois, there are still wide gaps in proficiency rates between white, Black and Latino students in both English language arts and math.
—Willie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
Benefits to learning a language as an adult Pronunciation is only one part of language proficiency.
—Karen Stollznow, The Conversation, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for proficiency
Cite this Entry
“Proficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proficiency. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
proficiency
noun
pro·fi·cien·cy
prə-ˈfish-ən-sē
plural proficiencies
: the quality or state of being proficient
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