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 English proficiency mirrors other Polish cities. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2026 Naumann recommends starting with the roles a company fills most frequently, and identifying the skills and proficiency levelsrequired. Kristin Stoller, Fortune, 2 Mar. 2026 Stowers, a potential Day 2 target, showed proficiency with a wide menu of routes while averaging 56 catches and 703 yards across the past two seasons at Vanderbilt. Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026 Reading proficiency has dipped 4 percentage points since 2019 as schools have struggled to make up for pandemic learning losses. Makiya Seminera The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 1 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for proficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proficiency
Noun
  • With effort came obvious improvement, and the sense of mastery and volition was nothing short of intoxicating.
    James Hibbard, Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Each appears to carry Italian painter Caravaggio’s signature mastery of light and shadow.
    Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • What readers are saying The conversation explores the impact of a holistic understanding of AI on students' learning experiences, with many participants emphasizing the importance of foundational skills before delving into AI.
    Rebecca Winthrop, Washington Post, 11 Mar. 2026
  • There were pre-dawn workouts, mid-morning core, mid-afternoon skills training and late-night shooting sessions.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The biography examines how Blume’s personal experiences — including her Jewish identity and feminist awakening — directly influenced her beloved young adult novels.
    Whitney Friedlander, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
  • The backstory South Palms is the second property in the Philippines by MGallery Collection, a boutique hotel brand under Accor that aims to provide luxury accommodations with a strong sense of place via immersive experiences and partnership with local communities.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Zimbabwe also has a foundation of technical expertise to support the industry, according to Gift Mehlana, president of the Chemical Society of Zimbabwe.
    Ray Mwayera, semafor.com, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Musiel recently launched a new construction company, leveraging his extensive appraisal expertise to build spec homes across the Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin metro areas.
    Kaitlyn Gomez, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Instead, we’ve been trained to obsess over IQ, which has been our culture’s gold standard for aptitude since the early 20th century.
    Big Think, Big Think, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Pitino believes Jackson has the speed, length and IQ to make an even bigger impact defensively.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Pennington enlisted that year as a unit supply specialist, and was assigned to the space and missile command on June 10, 2025, the Army said in a release.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Valdez receives one-on-one lessons using voice commands and touch guidance due to his vision impairment.
    Amy Stark Shireman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Proficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proficiency. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

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