Word
proficiency
Phoneticspro·fi·cien·cy, stress on the second syllable
US/pɹəˈfɪʃənsi/
UK/pɹəfˈɪʃənsi/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a high level of skill or knowledge in a particular subject or activity. You have this when you can do something very well, like speaking a language or using a computer.
n. a high degree of competence or expertise in a specific skill or field of knowledge. Often refers to the mastery of a language or technical ability.
Examples
“She has a high level of proficiency in English.”
“The job description requires candidates to demonstrate proficiency in at least two programming languages.”
“While basic communication is achievable within months, true linguistic proficiency requires years of immersion and a deep understanding of cultural nuances that go beyond mere grammar.”
Examples
simple
“She has a high level of proficiency in English.”
contextual
“The job description requires candidates to demonstrate proficiency in at least two programming languages.”
complex
“While basic communication is achievable within months, true linguistic proficiency requires years of immersion and a deep understanding of cultural nuances that go beyond mere grammar.”
Usage
Frequently followed by the preposition 'in' to specify the field of expertise.
Pitfall
his proficiency of French
his proficiency in French
Proficiency is almost always paired with the preposition 'in' rather than 'of' when describing a skill.
Real-World Examples
“Within the past 10 years, many schools have invested in evidence-based reading instruction , with a renewed emphasis in phonics instruction to improve students’ reading proficiency.” “The pattern remained after we accounted for health status, English proficiency, financial hardship, education, employment, insurance coverage and time in the U.S.” Etymology
From proficient or its etymon, Latin prōficiēns (present participle of prōficiō), + -ency.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/proficiency