capability
[key-puh-bil-i-tee]
- the quality of being capable; capacity; ability: His capability was unquestionable.
- the ability to undergo or be affected by a given treatment or action: the capability of glass in resisting heat.
- Usually capabilities. qualities, abilities, features, etc., that can be used or developed; potential: Though dilapidated, the house has great capabilities.
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Origin of capability
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
wherewithalcapacitypowerfacilitymeansproficiencyefficiencypotentialskilleffectivenesscompetencepotencyartpotentialityefficacyadequacyqualificationcraftaptitudefacultyExamples from the Web for capabilities
Contemporary Examples
In short, we would make it clear to the world and the potential recruits that ISIS has fatally overstepped its capabilities.
He added: “The assets and capabilities we wanted were there to ensure we could deal with any threat, any eventuality.”
All the Americans, from FDR down, underestimated the capabilities of their adversary, and exaggerated their own.
What is fascinating about this list isn't just that it tells us what capabilities U.S. special operations forces want.
They, too, would be acutely nervous about revealing the capabilities of their assets.
Historical Examples
He sees at once the capabilities of a tale, but he will not use it except he may do with it what he pleases.
A Dish Of OrtsGeorge MacDonald
They are strangely suggestive of the capabilities of the art.
Leading Articles on Various SubjectsHugh Miller
He was daily growing to have a higher opinion of her wisdom and capabilities.
Fair HarborJoseph Crosby Lincoln
He would have been the last to blame her for this; her estimate of his capabilities was like his own, that was all.
ShavingsJoseph C. Lincoln
His capabilities may be small or great; if he but use them all, he is a success.
capability
- the quality of being capable; ability
- the quality of being susceptible to the use or treatment indicatedthe capability of a metal to be fused
- (usually plural) a characteristic that may be developed; potential aptitude
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for capabilities
capability
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper