proficiency
noun
pro·fi·cien·cy
prə-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē 
1
: advancement in knowledge or skill : progress
2
: the quality or state of being proficient
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
Recent Examples on the Web
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
In 2024, the program educated 9,000 students across the state and saw the percentage of students reading at the basic or proficient level rise from 31.5% to 57.6%, an 83% increase in proficiency.
—Jim Hall, Baltimore Sun, 24 Feb. 2025
The 2023-24 Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) results highlight a 10.5% increase in proficiency since 2021-22, with Black students’ growth in English Language Arts surpassing overall district gains.
—Ikram Mohamed, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for proficiency
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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
In 2024, the program educated 9,000 students across the state and saw the percentage of students reading at the basic or proficient level rise from 31.5% to 57.6%, an 83% increase in proficiency.
—Jim Hall, Baltimore Sun, 24 Feb. 2025
The 2023-24 Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) results highlight a 10.5% increase in proficiency since 2021-22, with Black students’ growth in English Language Arts surpassing overall district gains.
—Ikram Mohamed, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for proficiency
Cite this Entry
“Proficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proficiency. Accessed 8 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
proficiency
noun
pro·fi·cien·cy
prə-ˈfish-ən-sē
plural proficiencies
: the quality or state of being proficient
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