Thesaurus

proficient

Q: How is the word 'proficient' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of proficient are adept , expert , skilled , and skillful . While all these words mean "having great knowledge and experience in a trade or profession," proficient implies a thorough competence derived from training and practice. // proficient in translating foreign languages

Q: When might 'adept' be a better fit than 'proficient'?

In some situations, the words adept and proficient are roughly equivalent. However, adept implies special aptitude as well as proficiency. // adept at doing long division

Q: When could 'expert' be used to replace 'proficient'?

The words expert and proficient can be used in similar contexts, but expert implies extraordinary proficiency and often connotes knowledge as well as technical skill. // expert in the evaluation of wines

Q: In what contexts can 'skilled' take the place of 'proficient'?

The synonyms skilled and proficient are sometimes interchangeable, but skilled stresses mastery of technique. // a skilled surgeon

Q: When is it sensible to use 'skillful' instead of 'proficient'?

While the synonyms skillful and proficient are close in meaning, skillful implies individual dexterity in execution or performance. // skillful drivers

adjective

Save Word

Synonyms & Antonyms of proficient

(Entry 1 of 2)

having or showing exceptional knowledge, experience, or skill in a field of endeavor

she is quite proficient at computer repair

a proficient rendition of a difficult piano piece

Synonyms for proficient

Words Related to proficient

gifted,
talented

polished,
refined

long-term,
old

Near Antonyms for proficient

Antonyms for proficient

proficient

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of proficient (Entry 2 of 2)

a person with a high level of knowledge or skill in a field

an urgent call by the state department for proficients in Arabic

Synonyms for proficient

ace,
adept,
artist,
authority,
cognoscente,
connoisseur,
crackerjack
(also crackajack),
dab
[chiefly British],
dab hand
[chiefly British],
expert,
fiend,
geek,
guru,
hand,
hotshot,
maestro,
master,
maven
(also mavin),
meister,
past master,
scholar,
shark,
sharp,
virtuoso,
whiz,
wizard

Words Related to proficient

pro,
professional

mistress

Near Antonyms for proficient

dabbler,
dilettante

Antonyms for proficient

Frequently Asked Questions About proficient

How is the word proficient distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of proficient are adept, expert, skilled, and skillful. While all these words mean "having great knowledge and experience in a trade or profession," proficient implies a thorough competence derived from training and practice.

proficient in translating foreign languages

When might adept be a better fit than proficient?

In some situations, the words adept and proficient are roughly equivalent. However, adept implies special aptitude as well as proficiency.

adept at doing long division

When could expert be used to replace proficient?

The words expert and proficient can be used in similar contexts, but expert implies extraordinary proficiency and often connotes knowledge as well as technical skill.

expert in the evaluation of wines