Word
proficient
Phoneticspro·fi·cient, stress on the second syllable
US/pɹɑˈfɪʃənt/
UK/pɹəfˈɪʃənt/
Definitions
01skilled or fluent
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. you are proficient when you can do something well and easily because you have learned and practiced it.
adj. demonstrating a high degree of skill or competence; often used to describe a level of language ability just below 'expert' or 'native'.
“After three years of study, she became proficient in Japanese.”
“The job description requires candidates who are proficient in data analysis and have experience with complex financial modelling.”
Usage
Commonly followed by the preposition 'in' for subjects or 'at' for specific tasks.
Pitfall
She is proficient at French.
She is proficient in French.
While 'at' is sometimes used for tasks, 'in' is the standard preposition for languages and fields of study.
Antonyms
02an expert person
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. a person who has reached a high level of skill in a particular subject.
n. a person who has attained a high degree of proficiency in a branch of knowledge or a specific skill.
“The workshop was designed for proficients who wanted to refine their technique.”
“Even among proficients, his ability to diagnose mechanical failures by sound alone was considered extraordinary.”
Teaching tip
The noun form is much rarer than the adjective; in most modern contexts, 'expert' or 'specialist' is preferred.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Only 39% of Michigan third graders scored proficient or advanced in English language arts on the M-STEP, an annual state exam, in the 2024-25 school year.” “People who spoke more languages tended to have younger-looking brains, and the effect also appeared stronger among those who learned another language earlier and became more proficient.” Etymology
From Latin proficiens, present participle of proficere (“to go forward, advance, make progress, succeed, be profitable or useful”), from pro (“forth, forward”) + facere (“to make, do”); see fact.
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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/proficient