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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 And there was a cheating scandal a decade ago involving proficiency tests. Alfredo Sosa, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Feb. 2025 The commanding pilot had about 1,000 hours at the stick, but the officer taking the proficiency test had just 450, according to Browne. Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 11 Feb. 2025 The order, which Trump signed on Saturday, rescinds a policy issued by former President Bill Clinton requiring agencies to provide assistance programs for people with limited English proficiency, according to a White House fact sheet. Elena Moore, NPR, 1 Mar. 2025 Trump’s order would also rescind former President Bill Clinton’s August 2000 directive requiring agencies and other recipients of federal funds to provide services for those with limited English proficiency, according to a fact sheet shared with CNBC. Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 28 Feb. 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
  • The level of expertise your agent possesses will make or break the success of our transaction.
    Frederick Peters, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Anthony Wayne, President of Black Broadway Men said in a statement that since joining the Board of Black Broadway Men United Inc. back in 2021 as Vice President, Kearney was the integral backbone of the foundation and brought his legal and structural expertise to the forefront.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 14 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
  • 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
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Proficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proficiency. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

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