proficiency

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'proficiency' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a level of skill or understanding of a particular subject. For example: "The student demonstrated a high level of proficiency in math."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 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

Even if LCDS, Laban and NSCD were to focus more rigorously on pure technical proficiency, it's questionable how well this would serve the majority of their students' long-term interests.

The Guardian

His passing is good and is as important as his ball-stealing proficiency (he has recovered 34 balls so far in the competition, behind only Chile's Gary Medel).

The Guardian - Sport

The organisation would also like to see Bikeability – a 21st-century version of the cycling proficiency test – as part of the school curriculum.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The permutations are endless, but if the answer is no, the dilemma remains: do you answer truthfully and risk losing the gig, or assure them of your proficiency and hope for the best?

The Guardian

George Bush championed the law; Congress supported it wholeheartedly.The deadline for proficiency now looks comical.

The Economist

That may not apply to the knottiest part of reform: what to do about America's 11m-12m immigrantsmigrantwo-thirdsirds of whom have lived in the country for over a decade (and 80% of whom are Latino).The Senate bill would allow most undocumented immigrants to apply for citizenship after paying back-taxes, displaying English proficiency, passing a background check and so forth.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "proficiency", specify the area of skill (e.g., "proficiency in English", "programming proficiency") for clarity.

Common error

Avoid claiming "proficiency" without demonstrating specific skills or achievements. Provide concrete examples to support claims of competence.

Linguistic Context

The noun "proficiency" functions primarily to denote the level of skill or competence in a particular area. Ludwig AI underlines its correctness and usability. Examples from Ludwig show it is frequently used to describe abilities in language, technical skills, and academic subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "proficiency" signifies competence, skill, and ability. Ludwig AI confirms that "proficiency" is correct and appropriate in written English. With widespread use across domains, including news, business, and science, "proficiency" often denotes an advanced level of skill acquired through training or practice. Related terms include "skill level", "expertise", and "competence", each carrying slightly different nuances. When using the term, specifying the area of skill is crucial for clarity (e.g., "proficiency in data analysis").

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

competence

Focuses on the ability to perform a task successfully.

skill level

Refers more directly to the degree of skill possessed.

capability

Highlights the potential to perform a specific action.

expertise

Implies a high level of skill and knowledge in a particular area.

adeptness

Indicates a high degree of skill and quickness.

mastery

Suggests complete control and understanding of a subject.

accomplishment

Emphasizes successful completion and acquired skill.

aptitude

Emphasizes a natural ability or talent for something.

know-how

Refers to the practical knowledge and skills to do something effectively.

talent

Suggests a natural or inborn ability.

FAQs

How can I demonstrate my "proficiency" in a skill?

Provide specific examples of your work, certifications, or achievements that showcase your /s/skill+level. Quantifiable results are particularly effective.

What's the difference between "proficiency" and /s/expertise?

"Proficiency" indicates a general competence, while /s/expertise suggests advanced knowledge and skill in a specialized field.

Which prepositions are commonly used with "proficiency"?

"Proficiency" is often followed by "in" or "with", such as "proficiency in a language" or "proficiency with a software tool".

Are there formal alternatives to the word "proficiency"?

Yes, depending on context, /s/competence, /s/mastery, or /s/expertise can serve as formal alternatives to "proficiency".