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 The experienced leader knows one of the keys to advancing Baltimore City Public Schools is improving student proficiency. — Kellye Lynn, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026 Google says training across languages, dialects, and different proficiency levels helped the model learn structures shared between sign languages. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026 Developing proficiency in this process generally requires extensive training and experience across numerous cases. — Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026 In the three interviews Kersanava conducted with AI avatar applicants, the candidates had applied for English-speaking roles as non-native speakers, leaning on AI as a crutch for a lack of language proficiency. — Jake Angelo, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 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
  • Physicians still pursue deep mastery in an age when most facts are a simple search away — because mastery was never really about the facts themselves.
    — Frances Mei Hardin, STAT, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Davis describes what followed in terms of confidence rather than technical mastery or coding know-how.
    — Will Drover, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of mastery
Noun
  • Others are just as deliberate about avoiding the front lines, gravitating toward technical or support specialties where the likelihood of direct combat is lower, but translating those skills to a civilian job may be smoother.
    — Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Dern largely dominated the five-round co-main event, demonstrating superior skills throughout the contest.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of skills
Noun
  • From sneak peeks of new Disney movies and shows to first looks at new experiences and products, D23 is the place where news is made for fans of Disney's theme parks, characters and more.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Closer to the season is when teams shift from building towards the demands of competitive football to trying to replicate them, while giving as many players as possible that experience.
    — George Edwards, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of experience
Noun
  • The significance of that approach lies in what happens when leaders resist the impulse to demonstrate their expertise.
    — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Discussions were led by Smith and David Longo, former chair of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, as well as others who could bring expertise and thoughtfulness to the topic of the day.
    — Peter St Onge, Charlotte Observer, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of expertise
Noun
  • The person who first publicly raised the claims about Arday had written about race and IQ and, Harper said, could fairly be described as racist.
    — Michel Martin, NPR, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Gravis had already raised $23 million last November, in a round led by IQ Capital and Zacua Ventures.
    — John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of IQ
Noun
  • The article also called for detailed mobilization plans covering command structures, communications and procedures for dealing with unexpected situations.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Other negotiators described him as highly competent with a command of the details.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 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 20 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of proficiency for Spanish Speakers

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