adj.
Having or marked by an advanced degree of competence, as in an art, vocation, profession, or branch of learning.
n.
An expert; an adept.
[Latin prōficiēns, prōficient-, present participle of prōficere, to make progress. See profit.]
proficiently pro·fi'cient·ly adv.SYNONYMS proficient, adept, skilled, skillful, expert. These adjectives mean having or showing knowledge, ability, or skill, as in a profession or field of study. Proficient implies an advanced degree of competence acquired through training: is proficient in Greek and Latin. Adept suggests a natural aptitude improved by practice: became adept at cutting the fabric without using a pattern. Skilled implies sound, thorough competence and often mastery, as in an art, craft, or trade: a skilled gymnast who won an Olympic medal. Skillful adds to skilled the idea of natural dexterity in performance or achievement: is skillful in the use of the hand loom. Expert applies to one with consummate skill and command: an expert violinist who played the sonata flawlessly.
