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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 But Wake County posted one of the highest proficiency rates in the state among all students. — Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2026 Translate the future operating model into specific capabilities and realistic proficiency levels. — Kevin Chan, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2026 The percentage of Clarksville Elementary students who passed Indiana's reading proficiency exam jumped 14 points in one year. — Stephanie Stremplewski, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Sep. 2026 The students make progress toward nearing proficiency during elementary and middle school. — Francesca Pinney, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 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
  • By contrast, a human child typically begins to grasp language by their first birthday and achieves fluent mastery by hearing only 10 million to 30 million words.
    — Kelly Huang, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026
  • By exhibiting and then dominating them in the arena, Rome was symbolically asserting its mastery over nature itself.
    — Roberto Prieto, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of mastery
Noun
  • While the 5-foot-9 McQuillan got to show off her powerful hitting skills to the crowd, she actually was recruited by UConn as a libero.
    — Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Similarly, behavioral assessments also shed light on potential weaknesses, such as poor communication skills or a tendency to avoid conflict, which can be addressed proactively.
    — Karla Vallecillo, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of skills
Noun
  • Leo July 23 – August 22 A personal experience could become useful material for something creative.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Berens brings more than 15 years of experience spanning business development, e-commerce, digital marketing and omnichannel growth.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of experience
Noun
  • There are certain machines that only a few companies have the expertise to build.
    — Zaharia-Gabriel Sidere, Forbes.com, 21 Sep. 2026
  • This is particularly evident in the beauty and fragrance industry, where artistic vision, scientific research and manufacturing expertise work together to give form to ideas and emotions.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of expertise
Noun
  • Those who already have a Peloton Tread+ can also expect new AI-powered coaching features via Peloton IQ.
    — Bee Wertheimer, PC Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Muldowney, the Sharks’ sixth-round pick in 2022, has the skating ability and hockey IQ to offset being relatively undersized at 5 feet 9 and 172 pounds.
    — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of IQ
Noun
  • Build a Command Deck With the Control Center The Control Center was a welcome addition to iOS 7 in 2013, but its implementation still feels more like a junk drawer than a command center.
    — Florence Ion, PC Magazine, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The Mississippi Department of Public Safety issued a statement on its gameday plans, including not just road closure alerts but a notice that special operations, air operations and a mobile command center would be set up.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 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 26 Sep. 2026.

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