Ability

/əˈbɪl.ə.ti/ · noun

Meaning

(obsolete) Suitableness..

Definitions by Sense

1. (obsolete) Suitableness.
2. (uncountable) The quality or state of being able; capacity to do or of doing something; having the necessary power.
3. The legal wherewithal to act.
4. (now limited to Scotland dialects) Physical power.
5. (archaic) Financial ability.
6. (uncountable) A unique power of the mind; a faculty.
7. (countable) A skill or competence in doing; mental power; talent; aptitude.

Example Sentences

This phone has the ability to have its software upgraded wirelessly.

This wood has the ability to fight off insects, fungus, and mold for a considerable time.

Imagine a country where children do nothing but play until they start compulsory schooling at age seven. Then, without exception, they attend comprehensives until the age of 16. Charging school fees is illegal, and so is sorting pupils into ability groups by streaming or setting.

The ability to shift profits to low-tax countries by locating intellectual property in them, which is then licensed to related businesses in high-tax countries, is often assumed to be the preserve of high-tech companies.

a mixed-ability class

They are persons of ability, who will go far in life.

She has an uncanny ability to defuse conflict.

Then the disciples, euery man according to his abilitie, determined to send reliefe vnto the brethren which dwelt in Iudea.

Synonyms for ability

Antonyms for ability

Related Words

Word Forms

• abilities
• abilitie
• hability
• habilitie

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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