noun

proficiency

pruh-FIH-shuhn-see

noun

A high level of skill or competence at something.

"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 notes

In plain EnglishHow good someone is at doing something — their skill level.

Common pairings

language proficiency level of proficiency gain proficiency

proficiencies plural

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Can you complete this real example?

Her _____ in Mandarin impressed the interview panel.

From Latin proficiens, "advancing, making progress," plus the noun suffix "-ency."

agency urgency potency decency regency currency tendency clemency leniency frequency emergency residency