proficiency

noun

prə-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē How to pronounce proficiency (audio)
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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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 Ireland ranks last despite placing fourth for English proficiency, sixth for events, and ninth for coworking spaces. — Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 Researchers found that former residents' new local elementary schools have 4 to 8% lower proficiency in both math and reading on California standardized tests. — Tim Fang, CBS News, 31 July 2026 The Eagles’ proficiency in the draft afforded them defensive dominance at a discount. — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 30 July 2026 Only 66% of American students reached the baseline level of mathematics proficiency, compared with an OECD average of 69%, and the highest-performing countries were far ahead of both. — Jared Polis, Denver Post, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for proficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proficiency
  1. mastery
  2. skills
  3. experience
  4. expertise
  5. IQ
  6. command
Noun
  • Physicians still pursue deep mastery in an age when most facts are a simple search away — because mastery was never really about the facts themselves.
    — Frances Mei Hardin, STAT, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Davis describes what followed in terms of confidence rather than technical mastery or coding know-how.
    — Will Drover, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of mastery
Noun
  • Others are just as deliberate about avoiding the front lines, gravitating toward technical or support specialties where the likelihood of direct combat is lower, but translating those skills to a civilian job may be smoother.
    — Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Dern largely dominated the five-round co-main event, demonstrating superior skills throughout the contest.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of skills
Noun
  • From sneak peeks of new Disney movies and shows to first looks at new experiences and products, D23 is the place where news is made for fans of Disney's theme parks, characters and more.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Closer to the season is when teams shift from building towards the demands of competitive football to trying to replicate them, while giving as many players as possible that experience.
    — George Edwards, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of experience
Noun
  • Raytheon supplied mission-system expertise, including sonar and electronics integration.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Whether that includes external self-analysis alongside the expertise Brighton provide remains to be seen.
    — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of expertise
Noun
  • Nearly 60 pilot stores are already using the new platform, called Thrift IQ, which CEO Mark Walsh said is aimed at making workers more productive rather than replacing them.
    — Alex Harring, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026
  • One of the best fish tank filter options is the Tetra Whisper IQ.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of IQ
Noun
  • The article also called for detailed mobilization plans covering command structures, communications and procedures for dealing with unexpected situations.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Other negotiators described him as highly competent with a command of the details.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of command

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proficiencies
proficiency
proficient
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Cite this Entry

“Proficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proficiency. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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