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 Unlike people whose proficiency in English is low, AAE speakers are not counted as a distinct linguistic group, so the scale of the harm is undocumented. Carol Rose Little, The Conversation, 12 June 2026 And in the statewide Latin exam, which challenges students in Latin language proficiency, grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, mythology and Roman history among other categories, 36 students earned high honors. Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 11 June 2026 The fatal collision shocked South Florida’s Haitian community and quickly entered the national debate over immigration and commercial truck driver licenses because of Singh’s undocumented status and questions about his English proficiency. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026 Industries exporting to China will need workers with quality control capabilities, logistics coordination experience and, increasingly, Mandarin proficiency. Alex Daruty, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for proficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proficiency
Noun
  • To watch Kane now is to feel in the presence of mastery.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 23 June 2026
  • The article suggests that true mastery comes not from avoiding mistakes, but from operating at the edge of one's capacity, much like in demanding vocations such as sports or diving.
    Ulrik Juul Christensen, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Modern leadership increasingly demands physical fitness beyond traditional executive skills like strategic vision and emotional intelligence.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 24 June 2026
  • Parents are looking for activities that do more than fill the hours, and a good cooking class can hand a child real skills, real confidence and a few recipes worth making again at home.
    Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • For full daily and monthly horoscopes as well as expert readings, see our full Horoscopes experience.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • With an experience like that under her belt, would an Oscar really be that big of a deal?
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Reassurance and strategic expertise were among the main reasons professional human advisors are preferred for the final decision, HSBC said.
    Justina Lee, CNBC, 25 June 2026
  • Beyond their historical expertise, exceptional guides also know the best times to visit major sites, how to avoid crowds, and how to handle tricky logistics.
    Jackie DeAntonis, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • Ersson is a technically sound goalie with a high hockey IQ.
    Corey Pronman, New York Times, 16 June 2026
  • The Hurricanes’ coaching staff also values the safety’s football IQ, a UM source said.
    Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 14 June 2026
Noun
  • What those vehicles all need is the command of light.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 22 June 2026
  • However, if your command of the Spanish language is less than lousy or if reading this has inspired you to take your first step inside the Compare Foods Supermarket on Milton Road, here’s the trifecta of non-negotiable dishes to eat.
    Andre James, Charlotte Observer, 22 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Proficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proficiency. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

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