More proficient (5)
I believe the answer is:
abler
'more proficient' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for abler that I've seen before include "More skilled" , "More competent, perhaps like seaman" , "More proficient" , "More gifted or competent - maybe a seaman?" , "Showing more skill" .)