ability
uh-BIHL-uh-tee
Ability (noun) means the capacity or power to do something. Example: “Thick fog reduced the driver's ability to see the road ahead.”
noun
1
The capacity or power to do something.
"Thick fog reduced the driver's ability to see the road ahead."
"She has the ability to learn languages quickly."
"The surgery restored his ability to walk."
2
A particular skill or talent.
"Her ability as a negotiator earned her a promotion last year."
"Children often show an ability for drawing before they can write."
"His musical ability was obvious from a young age."
How to use ability
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBeing able to do something — either the general power to do it, or a specific talent for it.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
natural ability
the ability to
proven ability
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Word forms
- Plural
- abilities
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Thick fog reduced the driver's _____ to see the road ahead.
Etymology
From Old French ableté, from Latin habilitas ("aptness, capability"), related to habilis ("able, fit") — the same root as "able."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for ability
See all rhymes for ability →Frequently asked questions
What does “ability” mean?
The word “ability” means the capacity or power to do something. In plain terms, being able to do something — either the general power to do it, or a specific talent for it.
How do you pronounce “ability”?
“Ability” is pronounced uh-BIHL-uh-tee (/əˈbɪl.ə.ti/ in IPA).
How do you use “ability” in a sentence?
Here is “ability” used in a sentence: “She has the ability to learn languages quickly.”
What is the opposite of “ability”?
The opposite of “ability” — its antonyms — are inability, unability and disability.
What part of speech is “ability”?
“Ability” is a noun.
Where does the word “ability” come from?
The word “ability” comes from Latin. From Old French ableté, from Latin habilitas ("aptness, capability"), related to habilis ("able, fit") — the same root as "able.".
Is “ability” a common word?
“Ability” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “ability” have?
“Ability” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the capacity or power to do something.
What is the difference between ability and skill?
Ability is the underlying capacity to do something: the raw potential, often natural, such as a good ear for music. Skill is that potential developed through learning and practice, like actually playing an instrument well. You may have the ability to do something long before you build the skill to do it well.
What is the difference between ability and capability?
The two overlap, but ability usually stresses what you can already do, while capability points to your potential to do something, sometimes with the right conditions or training. A team may have the ability to finish today's work and the capability to take on much larger projects in future.
Can ability be learned or improved?
Yes. While some abilities come more naturally to certain people, most can be built and strengthened through practice, training, and experience. Physical abilities improve with exercise; mental ones sharpen with study and repetition. Even natural talent needs developing to reach its full potential, so ability is rarely fixed for life.
What is the opposite of ability?
The opposite is inability: being unable to do something, whether through lack of skill, strength, or opportunity. Related words include incapacity, incompetence, and powerlessness. Where ability describes the power to act, its opposites describe the absence of that power, or being prevented from acting effectively.
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