proficient

[pruh-fish-uhnt] / prəˈfɪʃ ənt /

ADJECTIVE

able, skilled

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accomplished adept apt capable competent conversant efficient experienced gifted qualified skillful talented trained versed

WEAK

clever consummate crack crackerjack drilled effective effectual exercised expert finished on the beam phenom pro savvy sharp slick up to speed whiz with it

Antonyms

STRONGEST

green ignorant immature impotent incapable incompetent inefficient inept inexperienced unable unskilled unskillful untalented

WEAK

clumsy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The fire brigade, for example, "were really most proficient in the city at that time".

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Only 18% of Los Angeles eighth-graders scored proficient in math on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, compared to 27% nationwide.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

Film critic Elaine Mancini once described Duvall as "the most technically proficient, the most versatile, and the most convincing actor on the screen in the United States."

From Barron's • Feb. 16, 2026

She said she went out on her e-bike to "become more proficient".

From BBC • Feb. 12, 2026

Johnny, smaller and leaner, became a proficient and scrappy fighter but never achieved his brother’s success.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand

Vocabulary lists containing proficient

Grade 9, List 1

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Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 4

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ACT Vocabulary List

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