How to pronounce proficiency
Say it like pruh-FISH-un-see. Proficiency has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FISH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce proficiency. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- pruh
- FISH
- un
- see
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Proficiency pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- pruhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- FISHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- seeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of proficiency
American and British speakers say proficiency in essentially the same way: /prəˈfɪʃənsi/ in the US and /prəˈfɪʃənsi/ in the UK.
British respelling: pruh-FISH-un-see.
What does proficiency mean?
- Ability, skill, competence.“to attain (or to reach) proficiency”
Where does proficiency come from?
From proficient or its etymon, Latin prōficiēns (present participle of prōficiō), + -ency.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with proficiency
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of proficiency.
Questions about saying proficiency
How do you pronounce proficiency?
Say pruh-FISH-un-see. The American pronunciation is /prəˈfɪʃənsi/. In British English it is /prəˈfɪʃənsi/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in proficiency?
Proficiency has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FISH). Broken into parts: pruh · FISH · un · see.
Do Americans and Brits say proficiency the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /prəˈfɪʃənsi/ and the British form is /prəˈfɪʃənsi/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.