1
as in mastery
a highly developed skill in or knowledge of something surprised by his proficiency at the game after only the briefest explanation of the rules

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2
as in skills
knowledge gained by actually doing or living through something acquired proficiency at golf through long hours of practice

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Examples Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of proficiency Research shows the development and mastery of early literacy skills are a strong predictor of later school achievement, and students who have not achieved grade-level literacy proficiency are at higher risk of not finishing high school. Monica Goldson, Baltimore Sun, 17 Nov. 2024 Another area to consider is foreign language proficiency. Gerald Bradshaw, Chicago Tribune, 14 Nov. 2024 As standardized testing required schools to aim for student proficiency, all the focus went to those who hadn’t met that mark. Karin Klein, The Mercury News, 27 Nov. 2024 The incentives included $85,000 when 15.6% of students moved to a higher proficiency on English/language arts scores. Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 15 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for proficiency 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proficiency
Noun
  • On the flip side, if Woody Johnson was grading at home, Tannenbaum would have received an A+ for his mastery of Corporate Mumbo Jumbo.
    Bob Raissman, New York Daily News, 7 Dec. 2024
  • Ross’s mastery of the form extends beyond live events — he’s also hosted the Jeff Ross Presents Roast Battle series for Comedy Central and pushed the boundaries of the genre with projects like Historical Roasts on Netflix.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • All of this will enable IT workers across many disciplines to focus on higher-value tasks, requiring skills that machines still can’t replicate.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
  • By spreading the burden of some of the work traditionally carried out by the CIO, businesses are able to bring a greater diversity of skills and experience to the tasks of leading organization-wide digital transformation in 2025.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Egypt's extended experience in peacekeeping missions in Africa and elsewhere provides crucial support to the counterterrorism capabilities of the Somali armed forces and the concerted efforts of the Somali government and people to rebuild their country.
    Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Its range includes perfumes, body care, skin care, home fragrance and spa experiences.
    Jennifer Weil, WWD, 10 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Most of these users will not have the skills or expertise to navigate a risky upgrade path, a potential need to reverse, or note the signs of an incompatibility issue that drops them off security support.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
  • With roots in engineering and an illustrious career managing campaigns for iconic events like the Oscars and American Idol, Valdez brought a unique blend of technical expertise and creative vision to his work.
    Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • From night to night, the IQ and gameplan focus are closely resembling a Finals contender ...
    Shane Young, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
  • That study estimated that childhood exposure to lead from gasoline cost Americans about 824 million IQ points.
    Elizabeth Chuck, NBC News, 4 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Bridging the hoedown and the ballroom, Beyoncé alternates between angelic croons and fierce commands over a thumping bassline and a springy acoustic guitar.
    Stephen Kearse, TIME, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Angel City sacked coach Becki Tweed on Monday, the second major casualty in the team’s command structure in four days following the worst season in the young franchise’s short history.
    Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near proficiency

Cite this Entry

“Proficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proficiency. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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