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

Some of these approaches require meticulous scholarship and technical proficiency; others, an attunement to the invisible realms of feeling and folklore. —Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 1 June 2026

Has a 93% graduation rate, 60% reading and 27% math proficiency, and 32% AP participation rate. —Ryan Brennan may 29, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2026

But if everyone possesses the same technological advantage, technical proficiency alone will no longer distinguish students. —Marybeth Gasman, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

According to state test scores, less than half of California public school students are reading at grade level, and slightly more than a third are demonstrating proficiency in math at grade level. —Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 27 May 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