Capability
/ˌkeɪpəˈbɪləti/
nounIntermediateCommonGeneral
Meaning
Questions
Definitions
1
The ability or power to do something.
/ˌkeɪpəˈbɪləti/
nounneutralIntermediate
General
Possession of the means or skill to do something.
The company's capabilities are extensive.
💡 Simply: What someone or something can do.
More Examples
2
She demonstrated her writing capabilities through her impressive novel.
How It's Used
Technology
"The new software boasts enhanced capabilities."
Military
"The country's military capabilities are impressive."
From Middle English *capabilite*, from Old French *capabilité*, from Latin *capabilis* "capable", from *capere* "to take, seize, grasp".
The word has been used in similar contexts since the Middle Ages, often referring to a person's potential or abilities.
Memory tip
Think of 'capable' - it's the noun form of that adjective.
Practice
capabiltycapabilittycapibility
Usage
40%Spoken
60%Written