How to Pronounce “proficient”

American (US)

/pɹoʊˈfɪʃ.ənt/

British (UK)

/pɹəˈfɪʃ.ənt/

adjective — Good at something; skilled; fluent; practiced, especially in relation to a task or skill.

Example: He was a proficient writer with an interest in human nature.

Where the stress falls. “proficient” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /pɹoʊˈfɪʃ.ənt/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /pɹoʊˈfɪʃ.ənt/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "proficient" mean?

proficient (adjective): Good at something; skilled; fluent; practiced, especially in relation to a task or skill. For example — He was a proficient writer with an interest in human nature.

How do you pronounce "proficient" in American vs British English?

American English: /pɹoʊˈfɪʃ.ənt/. British English: /pɹəˈfɪʃ.ənt/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "proficient"?

/pɹoʊˈfɪʃ.ənt/ in American English, /pɹəˈfɪʃ.ənt/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "proficient"?

“proficient” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /pɹoʊˈfɪʃ.ənt/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.