facility

[ fuh-sil-i-tee ]

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. Often facilities. Informal. 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.

facility

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• non·fa·cil·i·ty noun plural nonfacilities
• o·ver·fa·cil·i·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of facility¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of facility¹

C15: from Latin facilitās , from facilis easy; see facile

Example Sentences

As a result, Mayflower Primary School had to adapt its building and create a nappy-changing facility.

From BBC

Indian defence forces have also said that it struck nine armed group training facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, killing more than 100 militants.

From BBC

Ready-to-eat foods made by Fresh & Ready Foods were served in at least three of the facilities where the hospitalized patients had been.

From Los Angeles Times

On Sunday, the FAA reported a “telecommunications issue” at a facility in Philadelphia that directs planes in and out of Newark.

From Salon

He previously warned of possible military action against Iran's nuclear facilities if the fresh set of talks, which began in April, do not succeed.

From BBC

Related Words

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