proficiencies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proficiencies" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to skills or competencies in a particular area or field. Example: "Her proficiencies in multiple programming languages make her an asset to the development team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

You get frequent bonuses and awards — new weapons, new ammunition, new scopes, new camouflage, new proficiencies.

The New Yorker

After all, the bureau's primary goal in asking this question is not to paint a full and complete portrait of the language proficiencies of Americans but rather to track immigrants' integration into mainstream American society and to ascertain what services they need, and in what languages.

The New York Times

And now, to become licensed physicians, medical students must pass a "clinical skills" exam assessing, among other proficiencies, how well they acknowledge patient concerns, ask about feelings and show empathy.

The New York Times - Health

But nuclear experts see the escalation as significant because the United Nations has called on Iran, instead of showing new proficiencies in enrichment, to halt its program altogether.

The New York Times

By technological literacy, I mean the latest in a series of proficiencies children should accumulate in school.

The New York Times

Participants expressed a desire to see not just an increase in the proficiencies of speakers, but also "for the language to have a stronger presence in their own and wider communities, noting that this in turn strengthens identity and connection with country and heritage".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

A friend or colleague amasses a tremendous amount of knowledge in some arcane or specialized field and mistakenly thinks this proficiency applies to everything.

The Guardian - Opinion

Still, it's stripped back and palate-cleansing, and has a hint of funk in the choppy rhythm stabs before the headbanging finale which lift it slightly above bland proficiency.

The Guardian - Music

There are no end of horror stories about actors claiming proficiency in a particular skill, then trying to wing it on the day and coming badly unstuck.

The Guardian

To maintain that level of proficiency through the next two series is asking a lot, especially from someone with a chronic back condition and England will target him very strongly.

The Guardian - Sport

UK-trained dancers, they said, are rarely of the same technical proficiency as those coming out of the Parts school in Brussels or the Juilliard school in New York.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's professional capabilities, use "proficiencies" to emphasize a well-developed and demonstrable level of skill in specific areas. For example, "Her proficiencies in data analysis and project management made her an ideal candidate for the senior analyst position."

Common error

Avoid using "proficiencies" when describing skills that are still developing or only represent potential. "Proficiencies" indicates a demonstrated level of competence, not simply an interest or aptitude. Instead, use terms like "potential" or "aptitude" to reflect undeveloped abilities.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "proficiencies" is as a plural noun, denoting a collection of skills or areas of expertise. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

27%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "proficiencies" functions as a plural noun used to describe well-developed skills or expertise in particular areas. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in news, formal business, and academic contexts. When using "proficiencies", ensure it reflects demonstrable skills, not just potential. Alternatives include "skills", "competencies", and "expertise", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The analysis reveals that while versatile, "proficiencies" particularly excels in formal settings requiring a precise articulation of demonstrable capabilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skills

Focuses on general abilities and capabilities developed through practice or training.

competencies

Emphasizes the demonstrated ability to perform a task or role effectively.

expertise

Highlights specialized knowledge or skill in a particular field.

abilities

Refers to the general capacity to do something.

capabilities

Implies the potential or capacity to achieve something.

qualifications

Highlights the formal credentials or requirements met for a role or task.

talents

Emphasizes natural aptitudes or innate abilities.

aptitudes

Refers to a natural inclination or potential for learning a skill.

know-how

Focuses on practical knowledge and skills, especially in a technical field.

mastery

Implies a high level of skill and comprehensive knowledge.

FAQs

How do I use "proficiencies" in a sentence?

"Proficiencies" is typically used as a plural noun to describe a set of skills or expertise. For example: "The job description requires candidates to have specific proficiencies in data analysis and communication." You can also say someone has a "proficiency" in a specific area.

What can I say instead of "proficiencies"?

You can use alternatives like "skills", "competencies", "expertise", or "abilities" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "proficiency" or "proficiencies"?

"Proficiency" is the singular form, referring to a single skill or area of expertise. "Proficiencies" is the plural form, referring to multiple skills or areas of expertise. For example, "He has a high level of proficiency in programming," versus "She has proficiencies in both programming and data analysis."

What's the difference between "skills" and "proficiencies"?

While both terms refer to abilities, "skills" is a broader term, encompassing a wide range of capabilities. "Proficiencies" implies a higher level of developed skill and demonstrable competence in specific areas. Thus, someone might have "skills" in several areas, but "proficiencies" in only a few.