IELTS Speaking · Vocabulary
proficient
adjective/prəˈfɪʃnt/Band 7
Last updated 21 July 2026
In short
“proficient” is a Band 7 adjective that means competent or skilled in doing or using something. Below you'll find its pronunciation, natural example sentences, synonyms and antonyms, and the collocations that help you use it accurately in the IELTS Speaking test.
Meaning
Competent or skilled in doing or using something.
Example sentences
Natural, spoken examples at the level an examiner rewards.
- “She is proficient in three languages.”
- “Employers expect graduates to be proficient with common software.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
skilledadeptcompetentaccomplished
Antonyms
incompetentineptunskilled
Collocations & common phrases
Word partners that make your usage sound natural — the difference between knowing a word and using it well.
Collocations
proficient inhighly proficientbecome proficient
Common phrases
reach a proficient level
Related words
Explore more vocabulary
Frequently asked questions
What does “proficient” mean?
Competent or skilled in doing or using something.
How do you use “proficient” in a sentence?
For example: “She is proficient in three languages.”
What are some synonyms for “proficient”?
Synonyms include skilled, adept, competent, accomplished.
Is “proficient” good vocabulary for IELTS Speaking?
Yes. It is Band 7 vocabulary, and collocations such as proficient in, highly proficient, become proficient help you use it naturally. Reaching for precise, less common words like this is exactly what lifts your Lexical Resource score.
Next step
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