Synonyms of proficiency

proficiency

noun

prə-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē 

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

• mastery
• experience
• IQ
• mastership
• command
• expertise
• fluency
• facility
• practice
• virtuosity
• literacy
• skill(s)
• familiarity
• acquaintance
• intimacy
• know-how
• hang

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incompetence
• incompetency
• ignorance
• illiteracy
• unfamiliarity

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

• skills
• experience
• expertise
• chops
• know-how
• savvy
• background
• mastery
• moxie
• familiarity
• acquaintance
• intimacy
• conversance
• command

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inexperience
• ignorance
• unfamiliarity
• unawareness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of proficiency

For both pre-K-3 and pre-K-4 programs at public schools, families must meet qualifying criteria based on income, military status, English proficiency and more. — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026

The test scores refer to state English and math proficiency rates among special education students. — Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026

The Department of Transportation’s policies have been focused primarily on enforcing English language proficiency among truck drivers and closing commercial driver’s license (CDL) schools if their training and safety standards aren’t up to speed. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 29 June 2026

Broward was down slightly for geometry tests, from 60% proficiency to 59%, while scores in Miami-Dade and Palm Beach County were both up. — Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 2026