facility

American  

[fuh-sil-i-tee] / fəˈsɪl ɪ ti /

noun

plural

facilities

1. Often facilities

   1. something designed, built, installed, etc., to serve a specific function affording a convenience or service.

      transportation facilities;

      educational facilities;

      a new research facility.

   2. something that permits the easier performance of an action, course of conduct, etc..

      to provide someone with every facility for accomplishing a task;

      to lack facilities for handling bulk mail.

2. readiness or ease due to skill, aptitude, or practice; dexterity.

   to compose with great facility.

3. ready compliance.

   Her facility in organizing and directing made her an excellent supervisor.

4. an easy-flowing manner.

   facility of style.

5. the quality of being easily or conveniently done or performed.

6. Informal. Often facilities a restroom, especially one for use by the public, as in a theater or restaurant.

7. freedom from difficulty, controversy, misunderstanding, etc..

   facility of understanding.

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facility British  

/ fəˈsɪlɪtɪ /

noun

1. ease of action or performance; freedom from difficulty

2. ready skill or ease deriving from practice or familiarity

3. (often plural) the means or equipment facilitating the performance of an action

4. rare easy-going disposition

5. military an organization or building offering supporting capability

6. (usually plural) a euphemistic word for lavatory

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Other Word Forms

• nonfacility noun
• overfacility noun

Etymology

Origin of facility

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English facilite, from Middle French or directly from Latin facilitās; facile, -ity

Example Sentences

These cohorts were housed at different facilities across the United States and followed different care routines, allowing researchers to test whether genetic effects remained consistent across environments.

From Science Daily

While upholding Carter’s nullification of the other leases, including the Brentwood School’s use of 22 acres for athletic facilities, the panel said the judge went too far in prohibiting the VA from renegotiating those leases.

From Los Angeles Times

Originally housed in the mountains outside Islamabad, Murree's red-brick facility now sits opposite the army chief's residence in the capital's twin city Rawalpindi, one of the most heavily guarded places in the country.

From Barron's

"It has been popular since we started serving it in 2021, but this year, our facility has got a lot of attention, especially after an influencer posted about us," he said.

From Barron's

That interview took place at an undisclosed facility in Kyiv where the two POWs are being held after they were captured.

From Barron's

Related Words

• accommodation
• amenity
• equipment
• material
• resource
• tool