adj
Uncommon
proficient
pruh-FIHSH-uhnt
Proficient (adj) means Skilled and competent, especially through practice. Example: “He became proficient in three languages by the time he was twenty.”
adj
1
Skilled and competent, especially through practice.
"He became proficient in three languages by the time he was twenty."
"She's proficient with most spreadsheet software."
How to use proficient
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGood enough at something to do it reliably and well, though not necessarily an expert.
Common pairings
proficient in
proficient at
highly proficient
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Word forms
- Plural
- proficients
- Comparative
- more proficient
- Superlative
- most proficient
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He became _____ in three languages by the time he was twenty.
Etymology
From Latin proficere, "to advance, make progress" — from pro- ("forward") and facere ("to make, do").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for proficient
See all rhymes for proficient →Frequently asked questions
What does “proficient” mean?
The word “proficient” means skilled and competent, especially through practice. In plain terms, good enough at something to do it reliably and well, though not necessarily an expert.
How do you pronounce “proficient”?
“Proficient” is pronounced pruh-FIHSH-uhnt (/pɹoʊˈfɪʃ.ənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “proficient” in a sentence?
Here is “proficient” used in a sentence: “He became proficient in three languages by the time he was twenty.”
What part of speech is “proficient”?
“Proficient” is an adjective.
Where does the word “proficient” come from?
The word “proficient” comes from Latin. From Latin proficere, "to advance, make progress" — from pro- ("forward") and facere ("to make, do").
Is “proficient” a common word?
“Proficient” is an uncommon word in modern English.
