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

• mastery
• experience
• IQ
• mastership
• command

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

The first Black principal in that town, he is credited with reducing arrests, suspensions, and disciplinary actions and increasing academic proficiency. —Kaitlin McCallum, Hartford Courant, 12 July 2025

Employers need to see results, and results scream proficiency. —Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025

Statewide more students hit proficiency benchmarks in English and math under the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking test, or FAST, than last year. —Miami Herald, 9 July 2025

Two of the federal programs put on hold were appropriated by Congress to help support English proficiency of students still learning the language and migrant children who move with their parents to follow agricultural and other jobs. —Bianca Vázquez Toness, Chicago Tribune, 3 July 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