What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
proficient
Example
She is proficient in several programming languages. [proficient: adjective]
Example
After months of practice, he became proficient at playing the guitar. [proficient: adjective]
skilled
Example
The chef is highly skilled in preparing French cuisine. [skilled: adjective]
Example
He is a skilled carpenter who can build anything from scratch. [skilled: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Skilled is more commonly used than proficient in everyday language. Skilled is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while proficient is less common and is often used in academic or professional contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between proficient and skilled?
Both proficient and skilled can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, proficient is often associated with a more formal tone, while skilled is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
