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
India is now home to one of the world’s largest English-speaking populations, with more than 130 million people reporting English proficiency in the 2011 census.
—
Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 26 July 2025
English language arts proficiency scores decreased slightly from 41% in 2024 to now being 40.6%.
—Caroline Beck, IndyStar, 17 July 2025
Schwinn enjoyed a good reputation among national conservative education advocates for her work in Tennessee to boost reading proficiency and target pandemic relief dollars toward academic recovery.
—Erica Meltzer, The Tennessean, 2 Aug. 2025
The Foundation: Mindset Recruiters usually tend to focus on objective, role-relevant skills and tools proficiency.
—Milos Eric, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for proficiency
Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 26 July 2025
English language arts proficiency scores decreased slightly from 41% in 2024 to now being 40.6%.
—Caroline Beck, IndyStar, 17 July 2025
Schwinn enjoyed a good reputation among national conservative education advocates for her work in Tennessee to boost reading proficiency and target pandemic relief dollars toward academic recovery.
—Erica Meltzer, The Tennessean, 2 Aug. 2025
The Foundation: Mindset Recruiters usually tend to focus on objective, role-relevant skills and tools proficiency.
—Milos Eric, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for proficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proficiency
Noun
-
There tends to be a noticeable gap between competence and mastery, a difference shaped by depth, training and perseverance.—
Razzak Jallow,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Where internet trolls often come off as flippant or spiteful, there is a relentless sense of play and mastery of language in even McNally’s most needling posts.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Rather, let your achievements and skills be the standout feature of your resume, not the design.—
Sho Dewan,
Forbes,
28 Dec. 2024
-
Employers want to see proof of your skills, not just hear about them.—
Sho Dewan,
Forbes,
28 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
The installation features 11 projects blending art and science into interactive experiences focused on scientific ocean exploration.—
La Jolla Light,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Aug. 2025
-
Created and executive produced by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Tim Minear, 9-1-1 explores the high-pressure experiences of first responders — including police officers, firefighters and dispatchers — who are thrust into the most frightening and shocking conditions.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Now his phone keeps buzzing with dozens of requests from farmers, journalists and others seeking his expertise amid an unprecedented phenomenon: A massive assault by rats on the state’s $4.7 billion almond industry.—
Jorge L. Ortiz,
USA Today,
18 Aug. 2025
-
Roach has been a Realtor with Willis Allen Real Estate in Point Loma for 20 years, with expertise including trust and probate sales, investment property analysis and sales in other states.—
Point Loma-Ob Monthly,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Trump hits back at Jasmine Crockett, calls her ‘a very low IQ person’.—
,
FOXNews.com,
6 Aug. 2025
-
That speed is far faster than our cognitive (IQ) system.—
Vicki Salemi,
Boston Herald,
3 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
In contrast to their correspondence in the early 1880s about John’s poetry, in which the older brother seemed to be in command, here the situation was the opposite.—
Gregory Jusdanis,
Literary Hub,
12 Aug. 2025
-
Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of application and eligible to volunteer in the host country and should have a good command of English.—
Michelle Kaufman
August 12,
Miami Herald,
12 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Proficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proficiency. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share