Proficiency — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /prə-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē/ pro·fi·cien·cy

Meaning & Definition of Proficiency

Proficiency (noun)

  1. advancement in knowledge or skill, progress
  2. the quality or state of being proficient

Proficiency (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a highly developed skill in or knowledge of something

    "surprised by his proficiency at the game after only the briefest explanation of the rules"

    similar: command, IQ, mastership, mastery
    related: virtuosity, facility, hang, fluency, literacy, experience, expertise, know-how, practice, skill(s), acquaintance, familiarity, intimacy
    near: incompetence, incompetency, ignorance, illiteracy, unfamiliarity

  2. knowledge gained by actually doing or living through something

    "acquired proficiency at golf through long hours of practice"

    similar: chops, experience, expertise, know-how, moxie, savvy, skills
    related: background, command, mastery, acquaintance, conversance, familiarity, intimacy
    opposite: inexperience
    near: ignorance, unawareness, unfamiliarity

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Proficiency

The most common words with a similar meaning to Proficiency:

command, IQ, mastership, mastery, chops, experience, expertise, know-how, moxie, savvy, skills

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Proficiency

Words with the opposite meaning of Proficiency:

inexperience

Related Words for Proficiency

virtuosity, facility, hang, fluency, literacy, practice, skill(s), acquaintance, familiarity, intimacy, background, conversance

Near Antonyms of Proficiency

incompetence, incompetency, ignorance, illiteracy, unfamiliarity, unawareness

Origin & Etymology of Proficiency

First known use: 1597

Frequently Asked Questions about Proficiency

What does "Proficiency" mean?

"Proficiency" means advancement in knowledge or skill, progress. As a noun, it is defined as: advancement in knowledge or skill, progress. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Proficiency"?

Other words for "Proficiency" include command, IQ, mastership, mastery, chops, experience, expertise and know-how. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Proficiency" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Proficiency"?

There are 23 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Proficiency". Common alternatives include command, IQ, mastership, mastery, chops, experience, expertise, know-how, moxie and savvy.

What is the opposite of "Proficiency"?

Antonyms of "Proficiency" include inexperience. Near antonyms include incompetence, incompetency, ignorance and illiteracy.

How do you use "Proficiency" in a sentence?

Examples of "Proficiency" in a sentence: "surprised by his proficiency at the game after only the briefest explanation of the rules"; "acquired proficiency at golf through long hours of practice".

Is "Proficiency" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Proficiency" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Proficiency"?

"Proficiency" is pronounced /prə-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē/ and divided into syllables as pro·fi·cien·cy.

What is the origin of the word "Proficiency"?

First known use: 1597.