proficiency
pruh-FISH-un-see
/prəˈfɪʃ.ən.si/
A high degree of skill; expertise.
Proficiency is a stage on the way to mastery. It implies you are fully functional and capable, but perhaps not yet an 'expert' or 'master'.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'proficere,' which means 'to make progress' or 'to go forward' (pro- 'forward' + facere 'make'). To be proficient is to have moved forward in your learning.
Word relationships
- expertise: Expertise is a higher level than proficiency; it implies being one of the best in the field.
- fluency: Fluency is usually reserved for languages or communication, while proficiency can apply to any skill.
- incompetence: Lack of skill or ability.
Commonly confused with
- competency: Competency is the 'what' (the skill itself); proficiency is the 'how well' (the level of the skill).
Word family
- proficient (adjective): Skilled and experienced.
Collocations
- language proficiency
- technical proficiency
- level of proficiency
Example sentences
- "Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in English before they can be admitted to the university." Language testing.
- "The job requires proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including the use of pivot tables and VLOOKUP." Technical requirements.
Memory hook
A 'pro' has high 'proficiency'. Moving forward to mastery.
When not to use
Don't use it for basic knowledge; it implies a level of fluency or ease with the subject.
Fun facts
- In the Middle Ages, 'proficiency' was often used in a religious sense to describe progress in one's spiritual life.
Related words
Also appears in
- Business → Performance Evaluation
- Education & Pedagogy → Assessment, Rubrics & Evaluation
- Education & Pedagogy → Standardized Testing & Exams
- Education & Pedagogy → Vocational & Technical Training
- Education & Pedagogy → Literacy & Numeracy
- Education & Pedagogy → Bilingual & Immersion Education
- Student Life & Schooling → Grades & Report Cards
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