proficiency
Americannoun
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:
Spinning that lore for a modern audience, then, calls for fronting the cast with a star whose popular persona is outsized compared to his dramatic proficiency.
From Salon ● Aug. 2, 2026
His four goals and four assists along with creating 54 chances, including nine big chances, highlight his proficiency at both ends of the pitch.
From BBC ● Jul. 23, 2026
Some commanders singled out Iran’s stockpile of missiles and its proficiency in using drones as one of Khamenei’s main achievements.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 3, 2026
“In today’s world, a valuable education includes proficiency at workforce-related tools, whether those are specific to a student’s degree or more generally applicable like generative AI,” she said.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 22, 2026
None but a child taken at an early age would have ever attained the proficiency and wrought such widespread evil as I have.
From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock
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 Scott, Walter, Sir
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
