proficiency

noun

pro·​fi·​cien·​cy prə-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē 

1

: advancement in knowledge or skill : progress

2

: the quality or state of being proficient

Synonyms

• command
• IQ
• mastership
• mastery

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

These credentials fall into two main categories, each offering different insights into an expert's capabilities: Vendor-specific certifications demonstrate proficiency with particular forensic tools or technologies. —Lars Daniel, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025

However, Rafael Jimenez-Flores, PhD, the J.T. Parker endowed chair for dairy foods in the Department of Food Science and Technology at The Ohio State University, stresses the importance of reinstating the proficiency testing program as soon as possible. —Parents, 9 May 2025

Aurora's 2025 Driverless Safety Report outlines five key principles to ensure safe operation: proficiency, fail-safety, continuous improvement, resilience and trustworthiness. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2025

Despite claims to the contrary, these layoffs included dozens of scientists who conduct quality control and proficiency testing on everything from infant formula to dairy products and pet foods. —Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 1 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1544, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for proficiency

• deficiency
• efficiency
• sufficiency
• immunodeficiency
• inefficiency
• insufficiency

Kids Definition

proficiency

noun

pro·​fi·​cien·​cy prə-ˈfish-ən-sē 

plural proficiencies

: the quality or state of being proficient