ability
//əˈbɪl.ə.ti//
Forms
- Plural
- abilities
Definitions
1.The quality or state of being able; capacity to do or of doing something; having the necessary power.
- 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.
2.The legal wherewithal to act.
- 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.
3.Physical power.
4.A unique power of the mind; a faculty.
Frequency
Overall
Common· #789
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Common
- Academic
- Uncommon
- Literature
- Rare
Related words
Synonyms
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.