capability
Americannoun
plural
capabilities-
the quality of being capable; capacity; ability.
His capability was unquestionable.
-
the ability to undergo or be affected by a given treatment or action.
the capability of glass in resisting heat.
-
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.
Anyone putting themselves out there by seeking public office has to have a certain amount of faith, in both their capabilities and the prospect of good fortune smiling upon them.
From Los Angeles Times
With Wilder, he's been a bit more up and down - you've seen good, you've seen bad - so it leaves a question mark around what capabilities he has left.
From BBC
They can quickly alter both the color and texture of their skin, a capability scientists have long tried to replicate in man-made materials.
From Science Daily
Mastering phonons could unlock entirely new capabilities, including access to unusual quantum effects such as entanglement.
From Science Daily
This capability could lead to breakthroughs in molecular computing and highly efficient optical devices that outperform current technologies.
From Science Daily
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.
