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
Some tech leaders have claimed that AI has enabled them to accomplish more with smaller teams, thanks in part to AI’s proficiency in writing code.
—
Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026
Every year, high schoolers from all over North America take part in the festival, which started in 1995 to help students level up their proficiency in performing and inspire them to keep improving their technical skills.
—Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2026
Iowa had minimal increases in the reading proficiency of its students in 2024 statewide assessments, rising from 73% to 74% of sixth graders reading proficiently.
—Shawn Datchuk, The Conversation, 23 Apr. 2026
The course is intended to increase Spanish proficiency by combining world language standards and Spanish language arts standards, according to Anne Castellanos, the district’s world language coordinator.
—Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for proficiency
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Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026
Every year, high schoolers from all over North America take part in the festival, which started in 1995 to help students level up their proficiency in performing and inspire them to keep improving their technical skills.
—Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2026
Iowa had minimal increases in the reading proficiency of its students in 2024 statewide assessments, rising from 73% to 74% of sixth graders reading proficiently.
—Shawn Datchuk, The Conversation, 23 Apr. 2026
The course is intended to increase Spanish proficiency by combining world language standards and Spanish language arts standards, according to Anne Castellanos, the district’s world language coordinator.
—Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 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 28 Apr. 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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