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 Words From

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

"It affected his motor abilities rather than his cognitive abilities," said Mr Smythe.

From BBC

“I trust coach Sean and I have no doubt in my mind he’s going to use me to my ability,” Atwell said.

From Los Angeles Times

“This reprehensible language is beyond unacceptable and those identified to be on these recordings should question their own ability to conduct themselves to the high standards we, as police officers, must abide by.”

From Los Angeles Times

Gibson, a prominent Tinseltown conservative who was recently nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as an ambassador to Hollywood, lost the ability to legally own firearms following a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction.

From Salon

"In my experience under Nick, Nick had this unbelievable ability to make you focus on the task in hand and to be able to shut out the noise," she said.

From BBC

Related Words

Abilene Abimelech

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