Proficiency

n.capable, hopefulprofessional

What it means

A developed ability to perform a particular skill competently and reliably.

Reach for it when describing demonstrated skill while leaving room for growth beyond competence

Daily conversation helped her gain proficiency in the regional language.

playful
know-how
when practical understanding should sound informal
not when Its casual register is wrong for certification or careful assessment.
everyday
skill
when learned ability is the broad idea
not when A person can possess one useful skill without overall proficiency in the activity.
professional
capability
when ability to complete the task is the useful fact
not when Capability may be potential rather than demonstrated proficiency.
professional
competence
when someone meets the required standard
not when Competence may be adequate rather than the developed ease of proficiency.
professional
expertise
when specialist knowledge and judgment are established
not when Expertise usually exceeds basic proficiency and may be narrow.
professional
fluency
when smooth ready performance matters, especially in language
not when Fluency can hide errors and does not fit every technical skill.
formal
mastery
when command is comprehensive and exceptionally strong
not when Mastery is a much higher claim and can imply no meaningful room to improve.
literary
facility
when a task is performed with apparent ease
not when Ease can come from familiarity without accuracy or depth.

gain proficiency
Learners gain proficiency through varied practice and useful correction.
technical proficiency
Her technical proficiency let her diagnose the pump without replacing sound parts.
level of proficiency
The practical test measures the level of proficiency needed for independent work.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.