proficiency

noun

pro·​fi·​cien·​cy prə-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē How to pronounce proficiency (audio)
Synonyms of proficiencynext
1
: advancement in knowledge or skill : progress
2
: the quality or state of being proficient

Synonyms of proficiency

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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
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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.
Those standards can examine technical proficiency, past cyber operations, facility security, personnel vetting and reliability. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 Aug. 2026 Safe experimentation is a critical step toward AI proficiency and understanding how to properly manage it. — Suzanne Konstance, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Language arts proficiency rates dropped for half of the grades that took Colorado’s latest statewide achievement tests, while rates in mathematics held steady or increased, according to 2026 results released Wednesday. — Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2026 The decline nearly wiped out a seven-percentage-point increase in reading proficiency only a year prior. — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for proficiency

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of proficiency was in 1597

Rhymes for proficiency

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Browse Nearby Words

proficience
proficiency
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Cite this Entry

“Proficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proficiency. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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