Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for

ability

1

[ uh-bil-i-tee ]

noun

plural abilities.
  1. power or capacity to do or act physically, mentally, legally, morally, financially, etc.

    Synonyms: , , ,

  2. competence in an activity or occupation because of one's skill, training, or other qualification:

    the ability to sing well.

  3. abilities, talents; special skills or aptitudes:

    Composing music is beyond his abilities.



-ability

2
  1. a combination of -able and -ity, found on nouns corresponding to adjectives ending in -able:

    capability.

ability

/ əˈɪɪɪ /

noun

  1. possession of the qualities required to do something; necessary skill, competence, or power

    the ability to cope with a problem

  2. considerable proficiency; natural capability

    a man of ability

  3. plural special talents
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Discover More

Other Word Forms

  • ܲa·i·ٲ noun plural subabilities
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of ability1

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English (h)abilite, from Middle French, from Latin 󲹲 “aptitude,” equivalent to habili(s) “handy” ( able ) + - -ty 2; replacing Middle English ablete, from Old French, from Latin, as above

Origin of ability2

Middle English -abilite, from French -é, from Latin - (inflectional stem -- )
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of ability1

C14: from Old French from Latin 󲹲 aptitude, handiness, from habilis able
Discover More

Compare Meanings

How does ability compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

Discover More

Synonym Study

Ability, faculty, talent denote qualifications or powers. Ability is a general word for power, native or acquired, enabling one to do things well: a person of great ability; ability in mathematics. Faculty denotes a natural ability for a particular kind of action: a faculty of saying what he means. Talent is often used to mean a native ability or aptitude in a special field: a talent for music or art.
Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Bob had that natural inclination, along with a strong curiosity and that thing Ray Bradbury called ‘optimistic behaviorism,’ the ability to be realistic and practical.”

From

His ability to make that, and now this technical expertise, digestible in a horror genre is really impressive and special.

From

"This deeply political appointment calls into question the regulator's ability to operate with the impartiality fans deserve," he added.

From

"It affected your mental state so greatly that it impacted your ability to understand what you were doing," said Judge Thomas.

From

The term "synaptic plasticity" just means the ability of these connections to be strengthened or otherwise changed.

From

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


AbileneAbimelech