capability
Americannoun
plural
capabilities-
the quality of being capable; capacity; ability.
His capability was unquestionable.
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the ability to undergo or be affected by a given treatment or action.
the capability of glass in resisting heat.
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Usually capabilities. qualities, abilities, features, etc., that can be used or developed; potential.
Though dilapidated, the house has great capabilities.
noun
-
the quality of being capable; ability
-
the quality of being susceptible to the use or treatment indicated
the capability of a metal to be fused
-
(usually plural) a characteristic that may be developed; potential aptitude
Other Word Forms
- overcapability noun
- supercapability noun
Etymology
Origin of capability
First recorded in 1580–90; from Middle French capabilité, from Late Latin capābili(s) capable + -ty 2
Compare meaning
How does capability compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"But they're also about capability. If we can build advanced 3D chips, we can innovate faster, respond faster, and shape the future of AI hardware."
From Science Daily
“This deal is about growth: Warner Bros. brings businesses and capabilities we don’t have, so there’s no overlap or studio closures.”
From Los Angeles Times
The acquisition aims to expand ServiceNow’s security workflow offerings and enhance vulnerability response capabilities.
From Barron's
China and the U.S. are in a high-stakes race — the winner acquires capabilities that make current cybersecurity look like a screen door on a submarine.
From MarketWatch
The military’s vaunted 8200 unit is also known for its cyber capabilities.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
