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Definition of proficiency

proficiency

/prəˈfɪʃ.ən.si/
pro · fi · cien · cy
Adverb:proficiently
•
Plural:proficiencies
•
Adjective:proficient
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proficiency Lexical Profile

proficiency Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A high degree of competence, skill, or expertise acquired through training and practice.

Example

"The scholarship applicants had to pass a standardized exam to demonstrate their proficiency in a second language."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for proficiency
Antonyms
View all antonyms for proficiency

• Rhymes for proficiency

• Nearby Words

professorial
professorship
proffer
proficiency
proficient
proficiently
profile

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-16th century from the adjective 'proficient', which derives from the Latin 'proficientem' (present participle of 'proficere', meaning 'to advance' or 'make progress'), combining 'pro-' (forward) and 'facere' (to make or do).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Proficiency. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/proficiency
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