noun

proficiency

pruh-FISH-n-see/prəˈfɪʃnsi/

Competence or skill in a subject or activity.

Her neatly shaped bowls demonstrate increasing proficiency in pottery.

A two-panel pottery-practice sequence shows the same woman progressing from shaping an uneven bowl with an instructor's guidance to independently shaping a balanced, smooth bowl, with several consistent finished practice bowls beside her.

Etymology

proLatinforward

+ficienLatinmake, do

+cyEnglishquality or state

Proficiency probably formed with -cy from a Latin participle meaning “making progress,” built from “forward” and “do.” Its meaning shifted from progress itself to the level of skill attained.

In context

Invicta16:29

military training heavily emphasized proficiency with skis and they were ubiquitous in civilian life

How Finland Survived a 1,000,000+ Soviet Invasion (1939-1940) FULL DOCUMENTARY

More examples

The test measures proficiency with basic computer tools.
He develops remarkable proficiency at repairing watches.
Students must demonstrate proficiency before advancing.

Forms

proficiency

Similar words

competence: Emphasizes adequate ability rather than a high degree of skill.
expertise: Expertise suggests advanced specialized knowledge; proficiency is competent practical command of a skill.