proficient

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'proficient' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is skilled or competent at a particular activity. For example: "She is a proficient baker, having earned a certificate in bakery arts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The biggest threat to airplanes comes from a single highly proficient bombmaker in the Yemen.

The Guardian

We practised tacking into the wind and gybing with it at our backs and became proficient in tying up to buoys and jetties, anchoring, tying knots... Now all we had to do was persuade someone to hire a £200,000 yacht for as little money as possible to a group of people with virtually no experience.

The Guardian - Travel

Despite my 10-year-old daughter being a proficient reader, with, I'm told, a reading age beyond her years, I can't get her to pick up a book.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Click to view Miley Cyrus's We Can't Stop here What we said: "Bands this proficient can easily end up making pointlessly masturbatory virtuoso-rock.

The Guardian - Music

His clients returned from their initial trips to China stunned by how quickly factories became proficient and puzzled by how much could be done so well, so fast, so cheaply.

The Economist

Fifteen states labelled a child "proficient" when the NCES would have called her skills "basic"; 35 bestowed that honour on children performing at "below basic" level.In this section You're going to get wet Redemption song Playing God Raising the bar Let them drive Machiavelli v Torquemada Chris Christie's tightrope ReprintsSmall wonder parents are crying out for grades that mean something.

The Economist

All students would be proficient in reading and maths by 2014.

The Economist

It incorporates Google Earth mapping software, largely for the same reason: most recruits are already proficient users.What's next?

The Economist

Those students at Gail Pond Alamo deemed "limited English proficient" had a 90% pass rate on the reading test, up from 29% in 1996.The turnaround is not unique.

The Economist

Many people who attend Chinese schools are also proficient in English.

The Economist

Telephones required more wires but no real expertise, like being proficient at Morse code.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "proficient" to describe someone who has developed a high degree of competence in a particular skill or area through training and practice. For example, "She is a proficient coder in Python".

Common error

Avoid using "proficient" when you mean "efficient". "Proficient" refers to skill level, while "efficient" refers to the ability to accomplish something with minimum waste of time and effort. "She is a proficient project manager" (skilled) versus "She is an efficient project manager" (productive).

Linguistic Context

The word "proficient" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe someone or something possessing a high degree of competence or skill. Ludwig AI confirms the word is usable in written English and often describes levels of ability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "proficient" is a versatile adjective used to describe a high level of skill or competence in a particular area. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage across diverse contexts. It is crucial to use "proficient" to describe skill and expertise, avoiding confusion with terms like "efficient" which describes productivity. Synonyms such as "skilled" and "competent" offer alternatives depending on the desired nuance. Remember to consider the context when choosing between "proficient at" and "proficient in". By understanding these nuances, you can effectively and accurately convey the level of expertise you wish to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skilled

Implies a general ability or expertise acquired through practice or training.

competent

Indicates having the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to do something successfully.

adept

Suggests a natural talent or quickness in learning and performing.

expert

Denotes a very high level of skill and knowledge in a particular field.

accomplished

Highlights a significant achievement or mastery in a specific area.

masterful

Emphasizes exceptional skill and control, often associated with artistic or creative endeavors.

talented

Suggests a natural aptitude or innate ability.

capable

Indicates the ability to perform a task or fulfill a role adequately.

seasoned

Implies extensive experience and expertise gained over time.

well-versed

Suggests a thorough knowledge and understanding of a particular subject.

FAQs

How can I use "proficient" in a sentence?

You can use "proficient" to describe someone who is skilled or competent in a particular area. For example, "He is a "proficient guitarist"", or "She is "proficient in data analysis"".

What are some synonyms for "proficient"?

Some synonyms for "proficient" include "skilled", "competent", "adept", and "expert". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "proficient" and "competent"?

"Proficient" suggests a higher degree of skill and expertise than "competent". While competent indicates adequacy, proficient implies a level of mastery and efficiency.

Is it correct to say someone is "proficient at" or "proficient in" something?

Both "proficient at" and "proficient in" are acceptable, but "proficient in" is generally preferred when referring to a subject or field of study. For example, "She is "proficient in mathematics"", or "He is "proficient at playing the piano"".