Abilities

/əˈbɪlɪtiz/

nounIntermediateVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

1

the power or skill to do something

/əˈbɪlɪti/

nounneutralIntermediate
General

possession of the qualities needed to do something

She has excellent problem-solving abilities.

More Examples

2

His leadership abilities are undeniable.

How It's Used

General

"His leadership abilities are undeniable."

From Old French abilite, from Latin habilitas ‘aptitude, skill’, from habilis ‘easily managed, fit, skillful’, from habēre ‘to hold’.

Historically, the word has been used to describe personal qualities that enable someone to perform tasks effectively.

Memory tip

Abilities are your capabilities or skills.

abilitesabilties

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written