different between proficiency vs efficacy

English

Etymology

From Latin proficientem, from proficere.

Pronunciation

• enPR: pr??fiSH?ns?, IPA^(key): /p???f???nsi/

Noun

proficiency (countable and uncountable, plural proficiencies)

1. Ability, skill, competence.

   a test of proficiency in English

   to attain (or to reach) proficiency

Synonyms

• ability
• command
• competence
• skill
• See also Thesaurus:skill

Translations

Further reading

• proficiency in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.
• “proficiency” in Roget's Thesaurus, T. Y. Crowell Co., 1911.

English

Etymology

From Old French efficace, from Late Latin effic?cia (“efficacy”), from effic?x (“efficacious”); see efficacious.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /??f.?.k?.si/

Noun

efficacy (usually uncountable, plural efficacies)

1. Ability to produce a desired effect under ideal testing conditions.
   • 2005, Flay et al. Standards of Evidence: Criteria for Efficacy, Effectiveness and Dissemination DOI: 10.1007/s11121-005-5553-y

     Efficacy refers to the beneficial effects of a program or policy under optimal conditions of delivery, whereas effectiveness refers to effects of a program or policy under more real-world conditions.

2. Degree of ability to produce a desired effect.
   • 1996, Moskovich, Patent application PCT/US1996/003658

     Toothbrush with improved efficacy

Synonyms

• efficacity

Related terms

Translations

Further reading

• efficacy in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• efficacy in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.