Proficiency

/prəˈfɪʃ.ən.si/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A high degree of competence or skill.
Her proficiency in Spanish allowed her to communicate effectively with the locals.
The state of being proficient.
He demonstrated proficiency in driving after completing his lessons.
An advanced level of skill in a particular area or subject.
The job requires proficiency in computer programming and data analysis.
The ability to perform a task or activity with expertise.
The musician's proficiency with the piano was evident during his performance.
A measure of someone's ability or knowledge in a specific field.
She took a test to assess her proficiency in mathematics.

Etymology

From Middle English 'proficiencie', from Latin 'proficientia', meaning 'progress, advancement'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

proficiency test
An assessment to measure a person's skill level in a particular area.
language proficiency
The ability to use a language accurately and effectively.
proficiency level
A classification of someone's skill in a specific area, often used in educational contexts.

Related Words

competence
The ability to do something successfully or efficiently.
expert
A person who is very knowledgeable about or skillful in a particular area.
skill
The ability and capacity acquired through deliberate practice.

Slang Meanings

Being a whiz
She's a whiz at math.
Nailing it
He really nailed it with that presentation.