capability

[ key-puh-bil-i-tee ]

noun

, plural ca·pa·bil·i·ties.

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

/ 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

Other Words From

• over·capa·bili·ty noun plural overcapabilities
• super·capa·bili·ty noun plural supercapabilities

Word History and Origins

Origin of capability¹

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

Example Sentences

These capabilities enable the use of such drones in inspection, disaster mitigation, and delivery in confined areas.

From Science Daily

Assad's chances of political survival will depend not only on the capabilities of his armed forces and his key allies, but also on the existing divisions between the various groups that oppose him.

From BBC

The features and capabilities do not have to be programmed individually.

From Science Daily

It builds our capacity for what Keats called “negative capability,” a tolerance for “being in uncertainties, Mysteries, doubts, without any irritable reaching after fact and reason.”

From Los Angeles Times

These questions point to an exciting potential for developing more adaptive training frameworks that not only focus on teaching AI but also on augmenting human capabilities to form future human-AI teams.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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