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
Relevance
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
Systems that could reliably use a laptop with human-level proficiency and without compounding hallucinations could perform many jobs currently done by remote workers.
—
Tharin Pillay, Time, 4 Nov. 2025
In Rancho Santa Fe, 85% of elementary school students showed proficiency in both ELA and math, with strong performances by the third and fourth grade cohorts.
—Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Nov. 2025
In Jackson’s absence, Tyler Huntley played one of his best career games, throwing 17-of-22 for 186 yards and a touchdown while orchestrating the offense with proficiency.
—Ben Morse, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2025
Professionals with either technical proficiency or interpersonal skills have seen moderate success in the past.
—Ethan Stone, Ascend Agency, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for proficiency
Tharin Pillay, Time, 4 Nov. 2025
In Rancho Santa Fe, 85% of elementary school students showed proficiency in both ELA and math, with strong performances by the third and fourth grade cohorts.
—Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Nov. 2025
In Jackson’s absence, Tyler Huntley played one of his best career games, throwing 17-of-22 for 186 yards and a touchdown while orchestrating the offense with proficiency.
—Ben Morse, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2025
Professionals with either technical proficiency or interpersonal skills have seen moderate success in the past.
—Ethan Stone, Ascend Agency, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for proficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proficiency
Noun
-
That does leave retailers less margin for error and requires a better mastery of data analytics to improve demand forecasting—making sure that what is on offer matches what shoppers want.—
Phil Wahba,
Fortune,
7 Nov. 2025
-
In other words, the faculty was told—and has been reminded ever since—that grades do not prove mastery or achievement.—
Ian Bogost,
The Atlantic,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The league also provides structured support for new players, including an orientation where participants learn the basics of soccer, from offsides to throw-ins in a pressure-free setting, and skills days that focus on different fundamental areas of soccer.—
Evan Moore
November 7,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Nov. 2025
-
For example, toddlers will benefit from toys that encourage them to build gross motor skills and work on early speech and literacy skills.—
Anja Webb,
Parents,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Efforts to compete with Amazon during its ascent in the 2010s had department stores playing catchup on supply chain prowess and integrating stores with e-commerce—sometimes to the detriment of in-store experience.—
Phil Wahba,
Fortune,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Despite his lack of coaching experience at the MLB level, Vitello was named manager of the San Francisco Giants last month.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
As the first to hold the dual title of product and heritage director at the company, Sauret still draws on his previous expertise.—
Paige Reddinger,
Robb Report,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Because of the skills that neurodiverse individuals can bring to the workplace — hyperfocus, creativity, empathy and niche expertise, just to name a few — some research suggests that organizations prioritizing inclusivity in this space generate nearly one-fifth higher revenue.—
Rachel Curry,
CNBC,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
High levels of exposure to lead in early childhood can lead to neurological effects such as learning disabilities, behavior difficulties and lowered IQ.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Sip & Sonder struggled to compete with the popular Downtown Disney Starbucks, according to Theme Park IQ.—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The incident's central command constantly receives progress reports from firefighters on the ground.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Despite these measures, investigators acknowledge that Brazil’s penitentiaries remain the backbone of command and communication for its largest criminal organizations — a paradox that the state struggles to contain.—
Alessandra Freitas,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Proficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proficiency. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share