noun
Uncommon
proficiency
pruh-FIH-shuhn-see
Proficiency (noun) means a high level of skill or competence at something. Example: “Her proficiency in Mandarin impressed the interview panel.”
noun
1
A high level of skill or competence at something.
"a test of proficiency in English"
"to attain (or to reach) proficiency"
"Her proficiency in Mandarin impressed the interview panel."
"The course tests basic proficiency before advancing students to harder material."
How to use proficiency
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHow good someone is at doing something — their skill level.
Common pairings
language proficiency
level of proficiency
gain proficiency
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Word forms
- Plural
- proficiencies
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her _____ in Mandarin impressed the interview panel.
Etymology
From Latin proficiens, "advancing, making progress," plus the noun suffix "-ency."
Related words
Rhymes for proficiency
agency
latency
urgency
potency
decency
regency
currency
tendency
clemency
leniency
frequency
emergency
See all rhymes for proficiency →
Frequently asked questions
What does “proficiency” mean?
The word “proficiency” means a high level of skill or competence at something. In plain terms, how good someone is at doing something — their skill level.
How do you pronounce “proficiency”?
“Proficiency” is pronounced pruh-FIH-shuhn-see (/pɹəˈfɪʃənsi/ in IPA).
How do you use “proficiency” in a sentence?
Here is “proficiency” used in a sentence: “Her proficiency in Mandarin impressed the interview panel.”
What part of speech is “proficiency”?
“Proficiency” is a noun.
Where does the word “proficiency” come from?
The word “proficiency” comes from Latin. From Latin proficiens, "advancing, making progress," plus the noun suffix "-ency.".
Is “proficiency” a common word?
“Proficiency” is an uncommon word in modern English.
