Able
Able adjective - Having the required skills for an acceptable level of performance.
Usage example: looking for an able and reliable assistant
Proficient is a synonym for able in ability topic. In some cases you can use "Proficient" instead an adjective "Able", when it comes to topics like character trait, effective, capable, expert. popular alternative
Nearby Word: ability
Proficient
Proficient adjective - Having or showing exceptional knowledge, experience, or skill in a field of endeavor.
Usage example: a proficient rendition of a difficult piano piece
Able is a synonym for proficient in skilled topic. You can use "Able" instead an adjective "Proficient", if it concerns topics such as ability, character trait, effective, expert. popular alternative
Nearby Words: proficiency, proficiently
Mutual synonyms
Both words in one sentence
- They're so proficient at it, that they're able able to take on armed, captain level, opponents.
Source: Close Range Combatant - Gouken Yamato also favored martial arts and was so proficient at it, that he was able to take on Azuki and Chacha at the same time.
Source: Close Range Combatant -
Fate/stay night: The most natural style of Emiya Shirou, so natural that he was able to become proficient at it by simply watching Archer use it in battle.
Source: Dual Wielding
Cite this Source
Proficient and Able. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/able/proficient
Able & Proficient. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/able/proficient>.
Proficient or Able. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/able/proficient.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "able" and "proficient" have occurred on timeline