proficiency

noun

prə-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē How to pronounce proficiency (audio)
Definition of proficiencynext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example 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 The experienced leader knows one of the keys to advancing Baltimore City Public Schools is improving student proficiency. — Kellye Lynn, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026 Google says training across languages, dialects, and different proficiency levels helped the model learn structures shared between sign languages. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026 Developing proficiency in this process generally requires extensive training and experience across numerous cases. — Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026 In the three interviews Kersanava conducted with AI avatar applicants, the candidates had applied for English-speaking roles as non-native speakers, leaning on AI as a crutch for a lack of language proficiency. — Jake Angelo, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for proficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proficiency
  1. mastery
  2. skills
  3. experience
  4. expertise
  5. IQ
  6. command
Noun
  • The hotel truly offers a mastery of expert service, without being overbearing.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Montessori mixed-age classrooms allow younger children to learn from older peers while older studentsstrengthen confidence, mastery, and leadership.
    — Jose Bolaños, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of mastery
Noun
  • That kind of collective learning is especially important in the era of AI as distinctly human skills like attention span, curiosity, judgment, empathy and collaboration become more valuable, Kavanagh and Danielson argued.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
  • That means redesigning processes and workflows alongside the technology, investing in new skills and creating a culture where employees understand how AI can augment their work rather than simply automate it.
    — Jill Standish, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of skills
Noun
  • In a Facebook post with nearly 500 likes and 40 comments as of Friday afternoon, the Gagnons spoke about their experience establishing the brewery and its part in the local community.
    — John Magsam, Arkansas Online, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Prospective candidates can apply through Deel's website, where they'll be asked to provide personal information, social media handles, and details about their ice cream experience.
    — Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of experience
Noun
  • Catholic leaders and fellow scholars say Levine was chosen for her expertise, praising her election as a sign of deeper interfaith cooperation.
    — Peter Smith, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Ternus’s expertise in executing on Apple’s product roadmap and maintaining the company’s high engineering standards signals a commitment to a central pillar of the Apple brand, even as the company seeks to evolve with the times.
    — Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of expertise
Noun
  • The Dutchman’s footballing IQ has also been noted by recruitment specialists across Europe.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • It’s expected to compete against the Cadillac Vistiq and Escalade IQ, Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV and Rivian R1S in the large SUV segment.
    — Michael Wayland, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of IQ
Noun
  • After the gunfire stopped, deputies continued issuing commands from behind their patrol vehicles.
    — Daniel Hunt August 29, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Itauma had never needed to go past the sixth round in his first 14 professional bouts and tired visibly after taking command of the early rounds, with Hrgovic absorbing a barrage of hits even after being knocked down in the second round.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of command

Browse Nearby Words

proficiencies
proficiency
proficient
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Cite this Entry

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

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