ABILITY Definition & Meaning

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ability

[ uh-bil-i-tee ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

plural abilities.

power or capacity to do or act physically, mentally, legally, morally, financially, etc.
Synonyms: , , ,
competence in an activity or occupation because of one's skill, training, or other qualification:
the ability to sing well.
abilities, talents; special skills or aptitudes:
Composing music is beyond his abilities.

-ability

a combination of -able and -ity, found on nouns corresponding to adjectives ending in -able:
capability.

ability

/ əˈ��ɪ��ɪ��ɪ /

noun

possession of the qualities required to do something; necessary skill, competence, or power
the ability to cope with a problem
considerable proficiency; natural capability
a man of ability
plural special talents

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��ܲ�a·��i·�ٲ� noun plural subabilities

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of ability¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English (h)abilite, from Middle French, from Latin �󲹲�� “aptitude,” equivalent to habili(s) “handy” ( able ) + -�� -ty ²; replacing Middle English ablete, from Old French, from Latin, as above

Origin of ability²

Middle English -abilite, from French -��é, from Latin -�� (inflectional stem -��- )

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of ability¹

C14: from Old French from Latin �󲹲�� aptitude, handiness, from habilis able

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Compare Meanings

How does ability compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

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Synonym Study

Ability, faculty, talent denote qualifications or powers. Ability is a general word for power, native or acquired, enabling one to do things well: a person of great ability; ability in mathematics. Faculty denotes a natural ability for a particular kind of action: a faculty of saying what he means. Talent is often used to mean a native ability or aptitude in a special field: a talent for music or art.

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Example Sentences

James Hawes, who directed “The Amateur,” praised the actor’s “enigmatic nature” and his ability to project simultaneous danger and charm: “He was the first name on the list for this role.”

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Now the ability to work remotely, at least some of the time, seems to help women out.

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"It is also an endorsement of Tate's ability to share our collection with the broadest possible audience," she added.

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High tariffs have increased costs for companies dependent on global value chains, hobbling India's ability to compete in international markets.

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Will the withdrawals from the second account affect my gross income and ability to collect our monthly Social Security benefit?

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