proficiency

noun

pro·​fi·​cien·​cy prə-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē How to pronounce proficiency (audio)
1
: advancement in knowledge or skill : progress
2
: the quality or state of being proficient

Examples of proficiency in a Sentence

surprised by his proficiency at the game after only the briefest explanation of the rules acquired proficiency at golf through long hours of practice
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
As of 2022, Black student reading proficiency for eighth grade was 16%. Willie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2025 As students continue to fall behind in reading proficiency in the American education system, some teachers are pleading with parents to help fix the problem. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025 Idaho’s fourth grade reading proficiency rate dropped to its lowest level in a decade. Carly Flandro, Idaho Statesman, 30 Jan. 2025 In 2024, 42% of those students reached proficiency, up from 36% in 2022. Yesenia Robles, The Denver Post, 29 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for proficiency 

Word History

First Known Use

1544, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of proficiency was in 1544

Dictionary Entries Near proficiency

Cite this Entry

“Proficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proficiency. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

proficiency

noun
pro·​fi·​cien·​cy prə-ˈfish-ən-sē How to pronounce proficiency (audio)
plural proficiencies
: the quality or state of being proficient

More from Merriam-Webster on proficiency

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!