Basic Details
Word: Proficiency
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A high level of skill at something, gained by practice and training.
Synonyms: skill, expertise, competence, mastery
Antonyms: incompetence, inability
How to Spell Proficiency
Syllables: pro - fi - cien - cy
Tricky part: The sound sh is spelt ci, then comes ency. Students write profisiency or end it with ancy.
Watch out for: profisiency, proficiancy, proficency, profficiency
Memory tip: Start from proficient and swap the final t for cy, the way efficient becomes efficiency.
Usage Examples
Example 1: Her proficiency on the tabla won her a scholarship.
Example 2: The job needs proficiency in typing and spreadsheets.
Example 3: After a year of daily practice, his proficiency in chess had grown a lot.
Fun Fact
The Certificate of Proficiency in English, one of the oldest English language exams, was first held in Britain in 1913.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Cookie
Insert the correct letters to form a word:
profi_i_ncy
a) c, e
b) c, a
c) s, a
d) s, e
Show answer
a) c, e. The sh sound here is written with c, and the ending is ency, as in efficiency.
Word Connection
Choose the antonym of the word 'proficiency' as used in the sentence:
Her proficiency in Tamil helped her guide the tourists around Madurai.
a) incompetence
b) skill
c) fluency
d) expertise
Show answer
a) incompetence. Skill, fluency and expertise all praise her Tamil; incompetence would mean she could not manage it.
Mingle-Mangle
Unjumble the letters in the sentence and choose the word they make:
The new job needs cfyonericip in at least two Indian languages.
a) proficiency
b) efficiency
c) proficient
d) prophecy
Show answer
a) proficiency. Efficiency has no p or r, and prophecy and proficient are both too short for eleven letters.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. A person with proficiency in swimming can ____.
a) swim a little
b) not swim yet
c) swim well
d) only float
Show answer
c) swim well
2. Which word describes a person who has proficiency?
a) prolific
b) proficient
c) professional
d) profitable
Show answer
b) proficient
