proficiency
Americannoun
-
proficiencies
plural
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of proficiency
First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin prōfici(ēns) “advancing” ( see proficient) + -ency
Explanation
If you have proficiency with something, you are pretty good at it. If you have proficiency with Spanish, you can understand and communicate well in that language. Proficiency, pronounced "pro-FISH-en-cee," comes from the Latin word proficere, meaning "accomplish, make progress, be useful." If you have achieved proficiency in something, you have done well at gaining a skill. However, having proficiency doesn't make you an expert. Still, proficiency is something to be proud of — it means you have worked hard, and if you keep going, you probably will become an expert.
Vocabulary lists containing proficiency
Power Prefix: pro
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"A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift
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Twelve Years a Slave
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
A 2024 research review in the journal Healthcare found that those with limited proficiency in English are more likely to experience serious harm from medical errors and receive lower-quality healthcare.
From Slate ● Oct. 16, 2026
In the U.S., people with limited English proficiency bear the most risk.
From Slate ● Oct. 16, 2026
Unified are outperforming those of the state, with higher proficiency rates in key categories.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 15, 2026
From April next year, permanent residency applicants will face even tighter requirements, including basic Japanese language proficiency.
From BBC ● Oct. 1, 2026
There are four parts: an obstacle course that assesses your physical condition, a written tactics exam, a test of weapons proficiency, and a simulated combat situation in the Block.
From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins
Most of the proficiencies required can be gained through further education.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 27, 2023
I sometimes looked in vain for stacks of books along the walls that weren’t didactically aligned with state-ordained, “testable” proficiencies.
From New York Times ● Jul. 25, 2021
Beyoncé’s proficiencies include the art of publicity, and her messaging is as precise as her melisma.
From The New Yorker ● Apr. 18, 2019
To that end, Olson launched "Project Lawrence," an effort to increase cultural proficiencies -- like advanced language training and better knowledge of local history and customs -- for overseas operations.
From Salon ● Aug. 4, 2011
By this means, you will well employ your precious time, though too many do not understand its value, and make great proficiencies in virtue.
From The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 16 by Sir Walter Scott
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
