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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 But Wake County posted one of the highest proficiency rates in the state among all students. — Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2026 Translate the future operating model into specific capabilities and realistic proficiency levels. — Kevin Chan, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2026 The percentage of Clarksville Elementary students who passed Indiana's reading proficiency exam jumped 14 points in one year. — Stephanie Stremplewski, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Sep. 2026 The students make progress toward nearing proficiency during elementary and middle school. — Francesca Pinney, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 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
  • That combination of domain mastery, systems fluency and outcome ownership is genuinely rare.
    — Ali Alkhafaji, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026
  • In the eyewear industry, this heritage is expressed through a distinctive way of creating products where design, technical mastery, and artisanal know-how come together.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of mastery
Noun
  • Organizers want the bill in New York to go even further than recess and focus more broadly on play and projects where students learn real-life skills.
    — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 25 Sep. 2026
  • At the start, Hondo flexes his rusty leadership skills and tries to get his ragtag crew to work as a cohesive unit.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of skills
Noun
  • Clemons had served as the founding CEO of both ConnCAT and ConnCORP, turning them into hubs for economic and community revitalization that aimed to center the experiences and needs of residents in New Haven’s Dixwell and Newhallville neighborhoods.
    — P.R. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Amenities and experiences The service here is warm rather than formal, which suits the setting.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of experience
Noun
  • There are certain machines that only a few companies have the expertise to build.
    — Zaharia-Gabriel Sidere, Forbes.com, 21 Sep. 2026
  • This is particularly evident in the beauty and fragrance industry, where artistic vision, scientific research and manufacturing expertise work together to give form to ideas and emotions.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of expertise
Noun
  • Those who already have a Peloton Tread+ can also expect new AI-powered coaching features via Peloton IQ.
    — Bee Wertheimer, PC Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Muldowney, the Sharks’ sixth-round pick in 2022, has the skating ability and hockey IQ to offset being relatively undersized at 5 feet 9 and 172 pounds.
    — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of IQ
Noun
  • State police alleged that Betacourt was uncooperative and refused to comply with commands.
    — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Certain pieces from brands like Gaillard and Mauviel command high prices, but several French brands are known for quality design and even cooking.
    — Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 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 29 Sep. 2026.

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