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 Reports citing human capabilities undoubtedly presuppose typical human brain proficiency based on effort. — Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 2 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 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
  • China’s mastery of rocket reuse would significantly expand the country’s launch capacity, accelerating its ability to close the gap.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2026
  • Then there’s the mastery of technical skills, physical conditioning, tactical intelligence, vision and mental toughness.
    — Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of mastery
Noun
  • State test scores for the 2025-26 school year are coming back, and Georgia public schools are part of a national pattern of declining reading and math skills.
    — Taylor Carney, AJC.com, 6 July 2026
  • The Rangers are adding Espinal for his valuable defensive versatility and contact skills, aiming to bolster their infield depth.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of skills
Noun
  • Don pioneered innovations in projection technology, 3D and large-format filmmaking, and immersive attractions that changed how audiences experience stories.
    — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 11 July 2026
  • The city’s Thursday night farmer’s market, which the LA Times calls one of the top 10 California experiences, is a great way to kick off a long weekend in San Luis Obispo.
    — Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Definition of experience
Noun
  • Elsewhere, the conversation drifts into questions about public-records databases, investigative reporting, grant applications, and the ways institutions classify professional expertise.
    — Rhoda Feng, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • But Upchurch, with more than two decades of Medicare expertise, doesn't blame beneficiaries for not paying attention or for assuming Wellcare's messages were bogus.
    — Susan Jaffe, NPR, 6 July 2026
Definition of expertise
Noun
  • In June, Animal Rescue Rigs founder Nik Miles led an all-electric SUV fleet — provided by the automakers — consisting of a Hyundai IONIQ 9, Cadillac Escalade IQ, Lucid Gravity and Kia EV9.
    — Summer Ballentine, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • Karaban said the most underrated part of his game is his basketball IQ.
    — Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026
Definition of IQ
Noun
  • For a stable, repo-local script, that critique holds, and wrapping every small command in a gateway adds surface area no one needs.
    — Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • Voice writers repeat every word spoken in court along with a sequence of formatting commands to voice recognition software.
    — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 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 12 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of proficiency for Spanish Speakers

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