capability
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for capability, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The power, skill, or resources needed to do something.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use capability
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Built in English from "capable" plus the suffix "-ity," which turns adjectives into nouns.
Full origin of capability →Frequently asked questions
What does “capability” mean?
The word “capability” means the power, skill, or resources needed to do something. In plain terms, what someone or something is able to do.
How do you pronounce “capability”?
“Capability” is pronounced kay-puh-BIHL-ih-tee (/ˌkeɪ.pəˈbɪl.ə.ti/ in IPA).
How do you use “capability” in a sentence?
Here is “capability” used in a sentence: “The new engine gives the aircraft greater range capability.”
What part of speech is “capability”?
“Capability” is a noun.
Is “capability” a common word?
“Capability” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between capability and ability?
Ability usually refers to a skill or power a person actually has, while capability stresses the capacity, resources, or potential to do something when required. Capability is also the natural choice for organisations, systems, and machines — "the network's capability" — whereas ability tends to be used of people. In many sentences the two are interchangeable.
What is the difference between capability and capacity?
Capacity often describes the maximum amount something can hold, produce, or handle, as in the capacity of a stadium or a battery. Capability describes the power, skill, or resources needed to actually do something. Broadly, capacity is about limits and volume, while capability is about what can be done.
Is it "capability of doing" or "capability to do"?
Both patterns appear in edited writing: "the capability of processing data" and "the capability to process data" are each acceptable, with the "to do" pattern now the more common. Note the contrast with the adjective: you are "capable of doing" something, never "capable to do" it.