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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 The experienced leader knows one of the keys to advancing Baltimore City Public Schools is improving student proficiency. — Kellye Lynn, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026 Google says training across languages, dialects, and different proficiency levels helped the model learn structures shared between sign languages. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026 Developing proficiency in this process generally requires extensive training and experience across numerous cases. — Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026 In the three interviews Kersanava conducted with AI avatar applicants, the candidates had applied for English-speaking roles as non-native speakers, leaning on AI as a crutch for a lack of language proficiency. — Jake Angelo, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 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
  • Additional support will be added as well until a student demonstrates mastery.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The article posits that true relationship mastery begins with self-mastery, enabling leaders to show up as their best selves.
    — Nancy MacKay, Forbes.com, 18 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
  • Highlights and experiences You could happily treat Luura as a gallery with a pool.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
  • More than 30 high and middle school students in the Ferndale Public Schools district earned hands-on experience, and for some, wages, as part of the district's Drone Apprenticeship Program.
    — DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of experience
Noun
  • The significance of that approach lies in what happens when leaders resist the impulse to demonstrate their expertise.
    — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Discussions were led by Smith and David Longo, former chair of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, as well as others who could bring expertise and thoughtfulness to the topic of the day.
    — Peter St Onge, Charlotte Observer, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of expertise
Noun
  • The person who first publicly raised the claims about Arday had written about race and IQ and, Harper said, could fairly be described as racist.
    — Michel Martin, NPR, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Gravis had already raised $23 million last November, in a round led by IQ Capital and Zacua Ventures.
    — John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 17 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

Browse Nearby Words

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 23 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on proficiency

Nglish: Translation of proficiency for Spanish Speakers

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