capability

American  

[key-puh-bil-i-tee] / ˌkeɪ pəˈbɪl ɪ ti /

noun

capabilities plural

1. the quality of being capable; capacity; ability.

   His capability was unquestionable.

2. the ability to undergo or be affected by a given treatment or action.

   the capability of glass in resisting heat.

3. Usually capabilities. qualities, abilities, features, etc., that can be used or developed; potential.

   Though dilapidated, the house has great capabilities.

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capability British  

/ ˌkeɪpəˈbɪlɪtɪ /

noun

1. the quality of being capable; ability

2. the quality of being susceptible to the use or treatment indicated

   the capability of a metal to be fused

3. (usually plural) a characteristic that may be developed; potential aptitude

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• overcapability
  noun
• supercapability
  noun

Inflected Forms

noun

• capabilities
  plural

Etymology

Origin of capability

First recorded in 1580–90; from Middle French capabilité, from Late Latin capābili(s) capable + -ty ²

Compare meaning

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

• capability vs. ability
• capability vs. competency

Explanation

A capability is something a person or a thing is able to do. It's hard to find a cell phone that doesn't include other capabilities, like taking pictures or storing MP3s. Inside the word capability is the word ability. Note the fine distinction between them. If you have an ability, it means you know how to do something. If you have a capability, it means you have the power to do something. Buying uranium gives a country the capability of making nuclear weapons, but first they need scientists with the ability to do the work.

Related Words

• capacity
• competence
• effectiveness
• efficiency
• facility
• means
• potential
• power
• proficiency
• skill
• wherewithal