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. 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.

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

• nonfacility noun
• overfacility 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

Police declared a riot one night, and on another night made several arrests outside the facility, including one person accused of choking a police officer.

From Los Angeles Times

Stovall said he gave the vendor his cellphone number and was told a lawyer would call him soon and ask him a few questions: What facility were you in?

From Los Angeles Times

It is the first of several such facilities planned in coming years.

From Salon

While celebrating the launch of gas exports from the facility in April 2025, the energy minister called for "continuous vigilance to guarantee the efficiency, transparency and sustainability of economic benefits for the population".

From BBC

The ground floor would accommodate the outpatients' department with 12 consultant/exam rooms, day case facilities and an acute paediatric assessment unit.

From BBC

Related Words

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