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

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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 yearly ranking is based on six factors, including college readiness, state assessment proficiency, state assessment performance, underserved student performance, college curriculum breadth and graduation rates. — Karma Sabbah, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026 Those standards can examine technical proficiency, past cyber operations, facility security, personnel vetting and reliability. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 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 Other criteria considered for the ranking of each school was the College Readiness Index, the College Curriculum Breadth Index, State assessment proficiency, state assessment performance, underserved student performance and graduation rate. — Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 18 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
  • This is slightly below domestic competitors like the Cadillac Escalade IQ, although Genesis charging speeds are more competitive.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The Dutchman’s footballing IQ has also been noted by recruitment specialists across Europe.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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