Capable and Proficient

Capable

Capable adjective - Having the required skills for an acceptable level of performance.
Usage example: a capable and efficient editor

Proficient is a synonym for capable in ability topic. In some cases you can use "Proficient" instead an adjective "Capable", when it comes to topics like effective, accomplished, competent, able. popular alternative

Nearby Words: capability, capably

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

Capable is a synonym for proficient in skilled topic. You can use "Capable" instead an adjective "Proficient", if it concerns topics such as able, ability, effective, qualified. popular alternative

Nearby Words: proficiency, proficiently

Both words in one sentence

  • The Medic If there's only one team member capable of healing, that person is automatically the Medic, even if they have other abilities, even if healing is their least proficient ability.
    Source: The Medic
  • Those who are more proficient in the mana arts are capable of killing themselves through exertion.
  • However, given that the Americans have fuel, ammo, and are proficient in using it, Fridge Logic tells us that it's supposed to stand in for a more modern and capable M1 Abrams.
Cite this Source
Proficient and Capable. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/capable/proficient
Capable & Proficient. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/capable/proficient>.
Proficient or Capable. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/capable/proficient.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "capable" and "proficient" have occurred on timeline