Proficient
/prəˈfɪʃənt/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Proficient describes someone who can do a task or activity well and with skill. It usually means they have learned and practiced enough to perform confidently and correctly. This word is often used for abilities like speaking a language, using tools, or doing a job.
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See It in Action
Skilled and able to do something well
- •She is proficient in Spanish and can hold conversations easily.
- •The technician is proficient at fixing computers.
- •He became proficient at typing after many hours of practice.
Showing competence through practice and learning
- •After training, the team was proficient in using the new software.
- •To be proficient in cooking, you need to know recipes and techniques.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'proficient' like 'good' or 'skilled,' but better and showing real practice and ability
- ✓Picture a person easily playing a musical instrument or writing in a foreign language without mistakes
- ✓It's the feeling you get when you can do something without help and feel sure about it
- ✓Sounds like 'pro-FISH-ent' → imagine a fish that is very good at swimming fast and catching food easily
- ✓Think of a student who studied hard and now can speak English clearly and quickly—that student is proficient
- ✓NOT like 'beginner' (just starting to learn), 'proficient' means you are past that stage and can do it well
- ✓NOT like 'expert' (very advanced), 'proficient' means you are skilled but maybe not the very best yet
Try Other Words
- •Competent: able to do something well enough (Use when the skill is enough but not very advanced)
- •Skilled: having skill or ability (Use generally for someone who can do tasks well)
- •Adept: very skilled and quick (Use when you want to show high skill, close to expert)
- •Capable: able to do something (Use when focusing on ability, not necessarily high skill)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix 'pro-' (forward, in favor of) + root 'ficient' from Latin 'facere' (to do or make)
- •Etymology: From Latin 'proficere' meaning 'to make progress or advance'
- •Historical development: Entered English in the 1600s meaning making progress or being effective
- •Modern usage: Used to describe someone who has learned well and can perform tasks skillfully
Reflect & Connect
•How do you know when someone is truly proficient in a skill, not just beginner or expert?
•Can someone be proficient in a skill but still want to learn more? Why or why not?
Fill in the blanks
1.She became proficient in English ___ many hours of study and practice.
2.Being proficient at a job means you can do tasks ___ and without help.
3.A proficient speaker can communicate ___, unlike a beginner who struggles.
4.Unlike an expert, a proficient person may still be ___ learning new things.
5.To become proficient, you must practice regularly and ___ your skills.
6.The teacher said he was proficient ___ using the computer programs required for class.
7.When you are proficient, you feel confident ___ your abilities in real situations.