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Synonyms

capability

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

noun

plural

capabilities
  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.


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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • overcapability noun
  • supercapability noun

Etymology

Origin of capability

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

Compare meaning

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Military planners should be particularly worried about China, which has vastly superior capabilities to Iran.

From The Wall Street Journal

"By bringing these two outstanding companies together, Nexstar will be a stronger, more dynamic enterprise—better positioned to deliver exceptional journalism and local programming with enhanced assets, capabilities, and talent," he said.

From BBC

The Department of Defense also awarded a $200-million contract to Google Public Sector, a division that works with government agencies and education institutions, to accelerate AI and cloud capabilities.

From Los Angeles Times

“By bringing these two outstanding companies together, Nexstar will be a stronger, more dynamic enterprise — better positioned to deliver exceptional journalism and local programming with enhanced assets, capabilities and talent.”

From Los Angeles Times

The MoD said the retirement of the Land Rover marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the British Army's mobility capabilities.

From BBC