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 As the 99th Air Refueling Squadron’s chief of standardization and evaluation, Klinner oversaw the training and flight proficiency of more than 30 aircrew members, helping prepare pilots for missions, according to the Air Force. Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 25 May 2026 Set-piece coach Andreas Georgson was a revelation in his first season in north London, and their execution from corners and free kicks arguably reached another level alongside De Zerbi, a coach not recognised for proficiency in this area. Elias Burke, New York Times, 25 May 2026 Wangchuk regularly flies to Bangkok for recurrent training and proficiency checks. Chris Dong, Travel + Leisure, 12 May 2026 But after becoming an officer, agents also have to complete annual proficiency reviews to maintain certification. Mariyam Muhammad, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for proficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proficiency
Noun
  • Northwood showcased its mastery of the fundamentals by playing errorless defense behind freshman pitcher Olivia Chen and scored eight runs in the fifth inning to defeat Grace 11-1 in the Division 5 final at Deanna Manning Stadium.
    Dan Albano, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
  • Knight emphasized the importance of mastery over participation and high graduation rates.
    Jake Przytarski, Twin Cities, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • The Bawah Anambas Foundation works with local communities to combat destructive fishing techniques, focusing on reforestation and offering skills training.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
  • Fiverr Pro has witnessed a massive spike in demand for people with skills in AI development and workflow orchestration tools.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • For a more exclusive experience, book the Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach Stopover that lands right on the shore for a picnic and swim.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • Andriy Sirko, the chief neurosurgeon at Mechnikov, told me that no hospital in the world has more experience operating on patients with penetrating brain injuries: Since Russia’s invasion in 2022, his staff has performed roughly 2,500 such surgeries.
    Martha Raddatz, The Atlantic, 25 May 2026
Noun
  • These two rating increases also are a result of 12 years of sound, responsible budgetary choices made by the city department heads and Detroit City Council, alongside the expertise of our Chief Financial Officers.
    Paula Wethington, CBS News, 28 May 2026
  • Theresa was a dance coach Theresa brought her expertise in dance and cheerleading to Quakenbrück in 2009, quickly becoming a driving force behind the local cheer community.
    Nasha Smith, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • But his talent and hockey IQ show no signs of short-term degradation.
    Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 27 May 2026
  • Lead, a heavy metal once common in products like pipes and paints, is a neurotoxin that can stunt children’s development, lower IQ scores and increase blood pressure in adults.
    Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2026
Noun
  • Few artists share her command of the spatial dimensions of narrative required to guide an addressee between points of divergence and contention.
    Erika Landström, Artforum, 2 June 2026
  • After participating in the investigation, Onka alleged that Dustman began withholding important information from command staff members who had criticized him or questioned department decisions.
    Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 1 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Proficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proficiency. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

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