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

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

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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 Unlike people whose proficiency in English is low, AAE speakers are not counted as a distinct linguistic group, so the scale of the harm is undocumented. Carol Rose Little, The Conversation, 12 June 2026 And in the statewide Latin exam, which challenges students in Latin language proficiency, grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, mythology and Roman history among other categories, 36 students earned high honors. Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 11 June 2026 The fatal collision shocked South Florida’s Haitian community and quickly entered the national debate over immigration and commercial truck driver licenses because of Singh’s undocumented status and questions about his English proficiency. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026 Industries exporting to China will need workers with quality control capabilities, logistics coordination experience and, increasingly, Mandarin proficiency. Alex Daruty, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for proficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proficiency
Noun
  • For these participants, competition with the humanoid robot created a fun challenge, clear objectives, and a rewarding sense of mastery that enhanced the overall gaming experience.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 12 June 2026
  • Seasons 1 and 2 of the AMC show have a mastery of an elevated, almost operatic tone.
    Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • These healthy children were an argument for a midwife’s skills.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 June 2026
  • ZipRecruiter’s Invite to Apply feature enables employers to contact prospects whose skills match an open role, including passive candidates who may not be actively searching for a new job.
    Audrey Payne, CNBC, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • For full daily and monthly horoscopes as well as expert readings, see our full Horoscopes experience.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • With an experience like that under her belt, would an Oscar really be that big of a deal?
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Funded by the National Science Foundation, our multidisciplinary team blended our expertise in causal inference, sustainability and cybersecurity, to work on the tangled question of what people do with their consumer electronics when they’re done using them.
    Eric Williams, The Conversation, 18 June 2026
  • Blending live action and animation, the digital shorts pair Pratt’s curiosity and humor with Goodwin’s historical expertise and fact-checking to highlight America’s founding ideals.
    Matt Donnelly, Variety, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • Ersson is a technically sound goalie with a high hockey IQ.
    Corey Pronman, New York Times, 16 June 2026
  • The Hurricanes’ coaching staff also values the safety’s football IQ, a UM source said.
    Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 14 June 2026
Noun
  • What those vehicles all need is the command of light.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 22 June 2026
  • However, if your command of the Spanish language is less than lousy or if reading this has inspired you to take your first step inside the Compare Foods Supermarket on Milton Road, here’s the trifecta of non-negotiable dishes to eat.
    Andre James, Charlotte Observer, 22 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Proficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proficiency. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.

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