capability

[ key-puh-bil-i-tee ]

noun

, plural ca·pa·bil·i·ties.

1. the quality of being capable; capacity; ability:

   His capability was unquestionable.

2. the ability to undergo or be affected by a given treatment or action:

   the capability of glass in resisting heat.

3. Usually capabilities. qualities, abilities, features, etc., that can be used or developed; potential:

   Though dilapidated, the house has great capabilities.

capability

/ ˌkeɪpəˈbɪlɪtɪ /

noun

1. the quality of being capable; ability
2. the quality of being susceptible to the use or treatment indicated

   the capability of a metal to be fused

3. usually plural a characteristic that may be developed; potential aptitude

Other Words From

• over·capa·bili·ty noun plural overcapabilities
• super·capa·bili·ty noun plural supercapabilities

Word History and Origins

Origin of capability¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Middle French capabilité, from Late Latin capābili(s) capable + -ty ²

Example Sentences

“He’s a unique figure with a unique set of capabilities that defy gravity,” Madden said, and any imitators would find themselves quickly plummeting to earth.

From Los Angeles Times

The research team plans to further utilize AI capabilities at UM Institute for Health Computing to process larger datasets and examine the causal relationship between snoring and brain outcomes.

From Science Daily

But what happens to this capability when the heart is damaged by severe heart failure has been unknown.

From Science Daily

This is the power of coatings – they radically transform the functionality and capabilities of an underlying material.

From BBC

A pair of glasses was found at one of the locations, but they lacked any recording capabilities, according to two of the sources familiar with the case.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• capacity
• competence
• effectiveness
• efficiency
• facility
• means
• potential
• power
• proficiency
• skill
• wherewithal