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 This includes schools that serve 200,000 homeless children, 1 million children with disabilities, and 2 million students with limited English proficiency. Richard Stengel, TIME, 15 Feb. 2025 The Department of Education also plays an important regulatory role, enforcing civil rights statutes to ensure equal educational opportunities for all students, ranging from those with disabilities and limited English proficiency to low-income and homeless kids. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025 The Black Hawk helicopter was on an annual proficiency training flight, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said. Rebekah Riess, CNN, 30 Jan. 2025 Yes, but: Math proficiency increased slightly from 2022 for both groups. Jeremy Duda, Axios, 30 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for proficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proficiency
Noun
  • Now researchers at Japan’s Osaka University have uncovered the physiological mechanism behind Belgica antarctica’s mastery of the cold — one that’s never been observed in any other species.
    Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 8 Mar. 2025
  • This first leadership style reflects the mindset many of us were taught to follow, the belief that mastery of technical skills and knowledge is the key to success.
    Glenn Llopis, Forbes, 8 Mar. 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
  • To use the newest experience of Facebook, switch to a supported browser.
    facebook.com, facebook.com, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Add in Unai Emery’s experience in Europe, and Villa will fancy their chances against most teams, including likely quarter-final opponents Liverpool (who could only draw 2-2 at Villa Park last month).
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, The Athletic, 11 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Providing the culinary expertise will be Kogi chef Roy Choi as well as chef and author Alice Waters, among others.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025
  • This requirement is premised on the idea that agencies left to their own devices will not elevate expertise in their decision making.
    James Broughel, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • LeBron was this physically imposing, super-skilled, high IQ player.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2025
  • In the meantime, Humane engineers will form a group called HP IQ, an innovation lab that will apparently build an ecosystem of smart features throughout HP's line of products.
    Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 22 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Take Zheng Yi Sao for example, the most successful pirate in history who at the height of her power had a confederation of 70,000 pirates under her command.
    Esther K. Choy, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Morikawa was in command much of Saturday at Bay Hill Club and Lodge, carding a 5-under-par 67 to leave him 10-under through 54 holes and ahead of Russell Henley (-9) and Corey Conners (-8).
    Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Proficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proficiency. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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