ability
/əˈ.bɪl.ɪ.ti/
Ability refers to the practical power or skill required to achieve a specific result. It is more grounded than 'capacity', which often describes a theoretical limit or potential, and more general than 'talent', which implies an innate, effortless gift. In professional contexts, it carries a connotation of competence and reliability. When someone has the "ability" to do something, they are viewed as capable of executing the task successfully regardless of whether the skill was learned through study or born from nature. It is generally neutral to positive. While 'capability' often refers to what a system or organization can do (e.g., "technical capabilities"), 'ability' is more frequently associated with individual human performance.
Countable when referring to a specific skill or talent ('She has an amazing ability to sing'). Uncountable when referring to general competence or overall capacity ('A person of high ability').
💬Casual Conversation
Mark, I'm genuinely concerned about our ability to hit the deadline with these delays.
Chill, dude. We'll totally pull it off. No sweat.
Meanings
Collocations & Compounds
natural ability
A skill or talent that someone is born with and does not need to learn.
She has a natural ability for music.
special ability
A particular skill or talent that is unusual or remarkable.
The superhero had the special ability to fly.
limited ability
A skill or capacity that is restricted or not fully developed.
He has a limited ability to understand complex instructions.
basic ability
A fundamental skill or capacity that is necessary for a task.
The job requires the basic ability to read and write.
problem-solving ability
The skill of identifying issues and developing effective solutions.
Employers value strong problem-solving ability.
Idioms & Sayings
ability to pay
The financial capacity of a person or entity to meet their obligations.
The court will consider the defendant's ability to pay before setting a fine.
above ability
Beyond someone's capability or power.
This task is above my ability; I'll need help.
ability to adapt
The capacity to adjust to new conditions or circumstances.
Her ability to adapt to different cultures made her a great diplomat.
Etymology
The word 'ability' comes from the Latin word 'abilitas', meaning 'capacity' or 'skill'. This, in turn, derives from the verb 'habere', meaning 'to have' or 'to hold'. It entered Middle English around the 14th century, initially referring to the possession of power or authority, and gradually evolved to mean a natural or acquired skill or talent.