Definition of proficiencynext
1
as in mastery
a highly developed skill in or knowledge of something surprised by his proficiency at the game after only the briefest explanation of the rules

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in skills
knowledge gained by actually doing or living through something acquired proficiency at golf through long hours of practice

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of proficiency Reading comprehension among California’s fourth-graders ranked 37th among the states in the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress testing, for instance, with just 29% showing proficiency, down 2 percentage points from 2022. Dan Walters, Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2026 This standardized method would run into the vacuum created by the absence of any statewide measure of academic proficiency, now that the MCAS no longer provides that measuring stick. Editorial, Boston Herald, 7 Mar. 2026 That's despite a wide body of research showing early literacy builds cognitive skills, reading proficiency and long-term academic success. Kayla Huynh, jsonline.com, 6 Mar. 2026 Anyone who wants to own a gun for self-defense must be over 21 and pass proficiency tests and background checks. ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for proficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proficiency
Noun
  • Each piece of wood, in varying shades and shapes, was plopped down one by one to bring the piece to life, resulting in an almost hypnotic design that shows off true marquetry mastery.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026
  • If worthiness is defined only by mastery of texts, then the exams are sufficient.
    Rabba Sara Hurwitz, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Are there skills from your documentary background that translated to this project?
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The piece stresses that these skills must be explicitly taught rather than assumed.
    Darlin Tillery, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The situation has fueled broader conversations about event marketing, consumer expectations and accountability when large-scale fan experiences do not match their promotional claims.
    Claire Dodds, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Additionally, the show features bundle deals and insider offers for discounts on dining and experiences.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Through our Innovation and Entrepreneurship Academy, students can apply for university venture funds and gain access to mentorship, technical expertise, and the infrastructure needed to launch companies.
    Jerry Balentine, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026
  • But Mishra is quick to boast about the company’s in-house expertise, like its chief technology officer who previously worked at NVIDIA, Salesforce, Electronic Arts and Apple.
    Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The streaming platform's revenue jumped nearly 16% from 2024 to 2025, according to data from market analytics provider S&P Capital IQ.
    Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
  • More than $45 billion worth of investment in the sector was recorded in 2025, up sharply from just under $25 billion in 2024, according to Space IQ, a report tracking startup activity and investment trends in the space economy.
    Tessa McCann, CNBC, 22 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Albin is confident the offensive line will improve this season, allowing the signal callers to take command of the offense.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026
  • After a lightning round of computer checks to verify the engines are running normally, commands will be sent to fire the rocket's two strap-on solid-fuel boosters.
    William Harwood, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Proficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proficiency. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on proficiency

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster