proficiency
Meaning: A high degree of skill or competence in a particular area, indicating that someone has reached an advanced or expert level of ability.
Proficiency implies a level of skill beyond mere competence — it suggests fluency, ease, and mastery. In language learning, proficiency tests such as the Cambridge Proficiency Examination (CPE) and IELTS assess whether learners can use a language at an advanced level. The adjective 'proficient' is commonly used in job descriptions and educational standards to describe the expected level of ability.
Examples
- Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in at least two programming languages. 应聘者必须展示至少掌握两种编程语言的熟练程度。Los candidatos deben demostrar proficiency en al menos dos lenguajes de programación.応募者は少なくとも二つのプログラミング言語の熟達を示さなければならない。지원자는 최소 두 개의 프로그래밍 언어에 대한 숙달을 입증해야 한다.
- She achieved near-native proficiency in French after living in Paris for five years. 在巴黎生活五年后,她的法语达到了接近母语的熟练水平。Alcanzó una proficiency casi nativa en francés tras vivir cinco años en París.彼女はパリで5年間暮らした後、フランス語でほぼネイティブレベルの熟達に達した。그녀는 파리에서 5년간 생활한 후 프랑스어에서 원어민에 가까운 숙달 수준에 도달했다.
- The certificate of proficiency is recognised by employers and universities worldwide. 该熟练程度证书得到了全球雇主和大学的认可。El certificado de proficiency está reconocido por empleadores y universidades de todo el mundo.その熟達証明書は世界中の雇用主や大学に認められている。그 숙달 인증서는 전 세계 고용주와 대학에서 인정받고 있다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, professional
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin proficiens (advancing, making progress), present participle of proficere (to make progress), combining pro- (forward) and facere (to make, to do). Entered English in the 16th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
More From This Topic
More from Education & Pedagogy
Flashcards, quizzes, audio pronunciation & spaced repetition — all free