Able to perform a defined skill to a dependable developed standard.
Reach for it when describing demonstrated capability without claiming top-level mastery
After six months of practice, he was proficient in emergency radio procedure.
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional |
|
| formal |
everyday
practiced
Fits when repeated experience explains smooth performance
Careful Practice can produce familiarity without meeting a quality standard.
everyday
Fits when developed ability can be stated broadly
Careful Skilled may imply a higher or less formally assessed level.
warm
Fits when ability to handle the task is the useful claim
Careful Capability may be potential rather than proven practice.
professional
Fits when substantial achievement demonstrates mature skill
Careful The word implies distinction beyond ordinary proficiency.
professional
Fits when someone meets the required standard reliably
Careful Competent can mean merely adequate, while proficient suggests developed facility.
professional
Fits when a language or symbolic system is used smoothly
Careful It is too specific for many crafts and does not always imply accuracy.
formal
Fits when ease and quick skill deserve stronger praise
Careful It overstates a person who can perform reliably but not fluently.
formal
Fits when authoritative advanced mastery is supported
Careful Expert is a much higher claim and should not replace proficient on a resume casually.
proficient in
Mara is proficient in both spreadsheet modeling and plain-language reporting.
technically proficient
The technically proficient editor also knew when a simpler tool was enough.
become proficient
Daily conversation helped the volunteers become proficient in basic signing.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated
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