WordValeproficient
competent and skilled
In more detail
1. (adjective) able to do something very well; skilled and experienced
2. (adjective) having reached a good standard in a particular skill or subject
Examples
- 1. She is proficient in three languages.
- 2. He became proficient at playing the violin after years of practice.
How to use proficient
Proficient is a formal adjective used to describe solid, reliable competence in a skill or subject, often assessed against a defined standard. It suggests mastery or expertise without necessarily implying excellence or brilliance—someone proficient at a task can do it well but may not excel beyond that baseline. It is commonly used in professional, educational, and technical contexts.
Common phrases
- proficient in
- become proficient
- highly proficient
- proficient speaker
- proficient at
Synonyms
skilled · competent · adept · capable · accomplished
Opposites
incompetent · inept · unskilled
Word family
proficiency (noun) · proficiently (adverb)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse proficient with profuse (meaning abundant or plentiful) or misuse it as a verb rather than an adjective; 'he proficiented' is incorrect.
Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.
Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD