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.
Whether selling products or solving problems, entrepreneurship requires the behavioral skill of communicating with others (and, despite the need for technical proficiency, not relying on a machine to do your job). Lynette Tan, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 With students able to receive proficiencies ranging from partially met, approaching, meets and exceeds standards, 67.7% of students across the state failed the English portion of the state exam with the overall failure rate rising in 90 Cook County high schools. Glenn Minnis | The Center Square Contributor, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 30 Dec. 2024 Nurse marveled recently at Powell’s wildly enhanced proficiency from 3-point range, up from just 31% as a collegiate player. Mirjam Swanson, Orange County Register, 18 Dec. 2024 Beyond studying the Civil War and exhibiting oral proficiency in Italian, one LSU student spent this year scribbling his name on more than just the back of desks. Gabriele Regalbuto, Fox News, 6 Dec. 2024 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 26 Jan. 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
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