1540s, probably from abstract noun suffix -cy + Latin proficientem (nominative proficiens), present participle of proficere "accomplish, make progress; be useful, do good; have success, profit," from pro "forward" (see pro-) + combining form of facere "to make, do" (from PIE root *dhe- "to set, put").
practice greatly improves proficiency
professionalize
professor
professorial
professorship
proffer
proficiency
proficient
profile
profiling
profit
profitability