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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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 Fair enough, but what are the specific proficiency goals for math and English? Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 13 May 2025 Being labeled as an English learner affords a student additional resources partly subsidized by additional state funding that is meant to help the student get reclassified to fluent English proficiency status. Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 7 May 2025 Bournemouth had been preparing for Torres to start and knowing the Spain defender’s proficiency in possession, Iraola allowed Konsa to have the first pass before pressing. Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 14 May 2025 Languages: English, Portuguese and Spanish, limited proficiency in Chinese and French. Pat Maio, Oc Register, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for proficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proficiency
Noun
  • On June 11, Resy’s Dream Team Dinners series makes an important stop in Atlanta with a collaboration that blends memory, migration, and culinary mastery.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 11 June 2025
  • That might not initially sound significant, however, McDaniel said Tagovailoa’s mastery of the finer points of the offense — when to get rid of the ball rather than force a throw — will be the next step in the quarterback’s development.
    C. Isaiah Smalls II, Miami Herald, 10 June 2025
Noun
  • Rather, let your achievements and skills be the standout feature of your resume, not the design.
    Sho Dewan, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024
  • Employers want to see proof of your skills, not just hear about them.
    Sho Dewan, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Heather has over four decades of dance experience across many disciplines including jazz, ballet, modern, ballroom, country partner, and line dancing with a B.A. in modern dance choreography from UCLA.
    Kris Slugg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 June 2025
  • Steiner has plenty of experience with drivers under his watch in F1 getting involved in controversial incidents.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • In fact, small businesses may stand to benefit even more from external expertise, especially when resources, time, and experience are limited.
    AllBusiness, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • The balance of individuals on the EPA's Science Advisory Board shifted during the first Trump administration, with a sharp jump in consultants and 42% drop in academic expertise.
    H. Christopher Frey, The Conversation, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • In fact, a study by Leadership IQ revealed that 89% of hiring failures are due to poor attitudes, not lack of skills.
    Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
  • Many of his young team-mates struggle to match his advanced football IQ, which has irritated this winner of 10 La Liga titles, three Champions Leagues, two Copas America and the most recent World Cup three years ago — more so when the team loses games.
    Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • The incident's central command constantly receives progress reports from firefighters on the ground.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 14 June 2025
  • Salami first joined the IRGC during the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, rising through the ranks to lead the IRGC’s air forces and later its entire command.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Proficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proficiency. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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