View synonyms for ability

ability

[ uh-bil-i-tee ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

plural abilities.

power or capacity to do or act physically, mentally, legally, morally, financially, etc.
Synonyms: expertness, dexterity, proficiency, capability
competence in an activity or occupation because of one's skill, training, or other qualification:
the ability to sing well.
abilities, talents; special skills or aptitudes:
Composing music is beyond his abilities.

-ability

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

ability

/ əˈbɪlɪtɪ /

noun

possession of the qualities required to do something; necessary skill, competence, or power
the ability to cope with a problem
considerable proficiency; natural capability
a man of ability
plural special talents

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Other Word Forms

suba·bili·ty noun plural subabilities

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Word History and Origins

Origin of ability¹

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

Origin of ability²

Middle English -abilite, from French -abilité, from Latin -ābilitās (inflectional stem -ābilitāt- )

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Word History and Origins

Origin of ability¹

C14: from Old French from Latin habilitās aptitude, handiness, from habilis able

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Compare Meanings

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

capability vs. ability

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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.

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

He is making changes that increase police power, signaling a push to refill federal prisons and detention centers with Black and brown people and curbing the ability of those impacted to seek redress in courts.

From Los Angeles Times

Osborne is a slight but rangy runner, with deft hands, aerial ability, a kicking game and an understanding with the Leinster and Ireland team-mates who will make up a large touring contingent.

From BBC

But Hamilton and Leclerc respect each other's ability, like each other and are relaxed in each others' company at official events and within the team.

From BBC

And only with experience, Hernández had learned, came the ability to navigate such adversity.

From Los Angeles Times

This takes a toll on parents’ ability to keep working as well as care for their children.

From Salon

Related Words

Abilene Abimelech

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