adj · noun · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
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Received-Pronunciation:/pɹəˈfɪʃ.ənt/
General-American:/pɹoʊˈfɪʃ.ənt/
General-American:/pɹəˈfɪʃ.ənt/
US:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
rhymes with -ɪʃənt
CMU ARPABET:P R AA0 F IH1 SH AH0 N T
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
adj
Meaning 1
Good at something; skilled; fluent; practiced, especially in relation to a task or skill.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
He was a proficient writer with an interest in human nature.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
noun
Meaning 2
An expert.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
adjective
Meaning 3
of or relating to technique or proficiency in a practical skill
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
his technical innovation was his brushwork
the technical dazzle of her dancing
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: technical
Antonyms: none provided
4
adjective satellite
Meaning 4
having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude
From Latin proficiens, present participle of proficere (“to go forward, advance, make progress, succeed, be profitable or useful”), from pro (“forth, forward”) + facere (“to make, do”); see fact.
Across languages
Translations
95 source translations are retained for this English entry.
