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

My proficiency in calculus and analytics led me to study economics as an undergraduate student and then to pursue an MBA in finance. —Harry Kraemer, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025

His all-round game is now beginning to match his proficiency in front of goal, which has brought four goals in his last three games. —Steve Madeley, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025

But none came to SpaceX with proficiencies in human spaceflight. —ArsTechnica, 1 Apr. 2025

The Maryland State Board of Education voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt a revised version of a new math policy geared toward elevating math proficiency across the state. —Shaela Foster, Baltimore Sun, 26 Mar. 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