proficient

/prəˈfɪʃnt/ (bre, ipa) · /prəˈfɪʃnt/ (ame, ipa) · /prə-ˈfi-shənt/ (ame, mw)

proficient — adjective

  • proficientpositive
  • more proficientcomparative
  • most proficientsuperlative

1. able to do a task or activity well because you have learned and practised it

1.形容詞B2
釋義

able to do a task or activity well because you have learned and practised it

例句

After years of practice, Meera became proficient at playing the violin.

proficient at + gerund (playing)

The company is looking for someone who is proficient in both English and Spanish.

proficient in + language / field

同義詞
  • skilled

    broader term — describes natural or trained ability; 'proficient' specifically implies training and practice

  • adept

    slightly more formal; suggests natural talent combined with practice

  • accomplished

    implies a higher level of mastery and achievement, often in creative or prestigious fields

  • competent

    meets the basic standard but does not suggest excellence; weaker than 'proficient'

反義詞
  • incompetent

    completely opposite — lacking the necessary skill or ability

  • unskilled

    without training or practice; not yet able to do the task well

用法筆記

Frequently used with 'in' for fields or languages ('proficient in French') and with 'at' for specific activities ('proficient at typing'). The noun form 'proficiency' follows the same preposition patterns.

常見錯誤

❌She is a very efficient typist' (when meaning she is skilled).
✅She is a very proficient typist.
💡'Proficient' means having skill through practice; 'efficient' means working without wasting time or energy.
❌He is proficient of Japanese.
✅He is proficient in Japanese.
💡The correct preposition is 'in' for languages and fields, never 'of'.