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

"We are planning to incorporate more observational data sources and improve the model's capability to handle the time evolution of winds," said Hu.

From Science Daily

The last year has transformed the club’s financial outlook and spending capabilities.

From Los Angeles Times

Turkey said it had targeted the “sources of income and capabilities” of Kurdish separatist groups it regards as terrorists.

From BBC

Still, some experts believe the obvious language barrier and unfamiliarity with Russian systems would complicate any fighting roles, suggesting instead that Pyongyang’s troops would be tapped for their engineering and construction capabilities.

From BBC

When a supervisor's own boss alternated between abusive and ethical leadership, the study found, it created additional uncertainty and eroded employees' confidence in the supervisor's capabilities.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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