Ability
noun ·Common ·High school level
Definitions
- 1 Suitableness. countable, obsolete, uncountable
- 2 the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment wordnet
- 3 The quality or state of being able; capacity to do or of doing something; having the necessary power. uncountable
"This phone has the ability to have its software upgraded wirelessly."
- 4 possession of the qualities (especially mental qualities) required to do something or get something done wordnet
- 5 The legal wherewithal to act. countable, uncountable
"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."
Show 4 more definitions
- 6 Physical power. countable, uncountable
- 7 Financial ability. archaic, countable, uncountable
- 8 A unique power of the mind; a faculty. uncountable
- 9 A skill or competence in doing; mental power; talent; aptitude. countable
"a mixed-ability class"
Example
More examples"He was sick of being vilified all the time by people who were jealous of his ability."
Etymology
First attested in the 1300s. From Middle English abilite (“suitability, aptitude, ability”), from Old French ableté, from Latin habilitās (“aptness, ability”), from habilis (“apt, fit, skillful, able”); equivalent to able + -ity.
Related phrases
More for "ability"
Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.