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.

Like other reality TV- and social media-made politicians who’ve moved into politics, Pratt is proficient at reinventing himself and grabbing attention.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

Lowery makes proficient use of the confined setting where Sam and Mary reunite, building a two-hander chamber drama around Coel and Hathaway’s fervent commitment to the weird and inane.

From Salon • Apr. 24, 2026

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

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Only 43% of Chicago elementary and middle school students can read at grade level, and 27% were proficient in math on state tests in 2025.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

I was planning to sign up for Greek again, as it was the only language at which I was at all proficient.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

Vocabulary lists containing proficient

Grade 9, List 1

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 4

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

ACT Vocabulary List

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!