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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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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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 Retake scores aren’t used in official proficiency data for the district, or in state and federal report cards. Bri Hatch, Chalkbeat, 11 May 2026 Yet, if the goals did not initially return once he was shifted back to No 8 in December 2024, Guimaraes has really rediscovered his scoring proficiency in 2025-26 — whether when deployed as a No 8, or even when he has been used deeper. Chris Waugh, New York Times, 8 May 2026 The results demonstrate that the team has established courtroom proficiency through extensive preparation in challenging personal injury cases. Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 8 May 2026 My history suggests very successful proficiencies in this model. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for proficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proficiency
Noun
  • But regardless of who was first, the attempts seemed to herald a new technological mastery over nature.
    Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 12 May 2026
  • For the entertainer, each property is an opportunity to showcase her mastery of total reinvention.
    India Roby, Architectural Digest, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • There is a desire for better center play, true lob threats who mimic the skills of Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II (with cleaner injury histories).
    Dan Woike, New York Times, 12 May 2026
  • In March, Sharon Ofek, a superintendent in Carmel, California, praised the software’s math lessons for teaching problem-solving skills rather than memorization of formulas.
    Tyler Kingkade, NBC news, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • The experience is still going to sell to a lot of people who can afford it—I’m getting the college experience, the frats, the football.
    Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 12 May 2026
  • Shaina Montiel says her mother stills cries thinking about her harrowing experience with hantavirus at age 5, which, according to the CDC, can have a fatality rate up to 38%, depending on the type of syndrome caused by it.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • In short, businesses may benefit from presenting clear expertise and credibility within their field, as AI systems often prioritize authoritative and well-structured information.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 14 May 2026
  • With a mix of regional expertise and global execution in factories across Asia and Central America, Hansae is building strong partnerships and establishing itself as a go-to source for more than just manufacturing.
    SJ Studio, Footwear News, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • Take my fun Evolution IQ Test to find out.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
  • Busby’s defense attorneys, Jack Strickland and Steve Gordon, argued that Busby’s poor upbringing, low IQ, learning disabilities and chronic drug and alcohol use merited a life sentence.
    Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • The service The staff has a decent command of English here.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 May 2026
  • Spencer Strider, who began the year sidelined with a right oblique strain and struggled with command upon his return last week, looked close to vintage form in Los Angeles.
    Jesús Cano, New York Times, 11 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Proficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proficiency. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

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