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

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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 In the scene, Simon’s family speaks Kreyòl — although to varying degrees of proficiency — and the camera lingers on the Haitian feast presented on the table. — Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026 Improving reading and math proficiency for public school students to ensure all have an opportunity to succeed. — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2026 He will long be remembered and revered for his durability and loyalty to the Falcons and his proficiency at his craft. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 2 Oct. 2026 After five consecutive seasons in the NHL’s top eight in power-play proficiency, the Avs slipped all the way to 27th last year. — Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 2 Oct. 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
  • Known for her mastery of the bias cut, Vionnet created clothing that mirrored the natural movement of the body, while her innovative approach to cut and construction marked a move away from the structured Edwardian fashions of the prewar period.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026
  • That is exactly the challenge facing Apple, where Tim Cook’s extraordinary run was defined by operational mastery—building upon iPhone’s dominance while weaving an extraordinarily profitable global ecosystem of products, services, and retail.
    — Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of mastery
Noun
  • Wilkoski said the materials for the original church demonstrated the resourcefulness of the congregants, who likely included carpenters with the skills necessary to build the church.
    — Nancy Jiang, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The flight simulator focuses on pilot proficiency, while the maintenance trainer is intended to develop the technical skills needed to keep aircraft available for missions.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of skills
Noun
  • With its multi-mission configuration and experience in military exercises and operational settings, Hunter WOLF will now face a further assessment of its capabilities at Camp Grafton.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Musicians often see an instrument as a physical extension of themselves and that sort of connection doesn’t always lend itself to the online shopping experience.
    — Phil Wahba, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of experience
Noun
  • He is known for his soft touch, luxury fabric and leather expertise, and ability to work across ready-to-wear, footwear and accessories.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • But their local expertise, connections, courage, and instincts could stave off death or captivity.
    — Ben Taub, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of expertise
Noun
  • Hooper has been a revelation with his physicality and high IQ, producing a team-high 27 tackles despite not starting in the season opener against North Carolina.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Various tests have given him a wide range of IQ scores, with one at 67 and another at 113.
    — Thomas Lake, AJC.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of IQ
Noun
  • Huang, who had long hoped to work with Yen, says the director’s shorts showed rare command of performance and sound and image, along with an honest grasp of adolescence.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The four-year ceasefire with the Houthis was already fragile, and the rapid UAE withdrawal as demanded by Riyadh left thousands of fighters who had spent a decade under Abu Dhabi’s command disoriented by Riyadh’s strategy.
    — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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