Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Showing results for capability. Search instead for cabability.
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

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

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.

Musk's aerospace firm claims processing needs due to the expanding use of AI are already outpacing "terrestrial capabilities".

From BBC

But AI’s capabilities in working with tax data are evolving.

From Barron's

His application stated that he planned to “help China to have computing power infrastructure capabilities that are on par with the international level,” prosecutors said.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s been available since November of that year and its capabilities have advanced considerably since the initial launch.

From Barron's

This capability suggests a potential role for the technology in generating electricity from waves, adding a renewable energy application to its list of possibilities.

From Science Daily