Meaning of ability | Babel Free

Definitions

1. Suitableness.
   countable, obsolete, uncountable
2. capacity, capability, ability
3. a combination of -able and -ity, found on nouns corresponding to adjectives in -able: capability.
4. The quality or state of being able; capacity to do or of doing something; having the necessary power.
   uncountable
5. capacity (measure of the ability to hold)
6. habilidad, aptitud; talento, capacidad.
7. The legal wherewithal to act.
   countable, uncountable
8. capacity (maximum that can be held)
9. The quality of being able to do something, especially the physical, mental, financial, or legal power to accomplish something.
10. Physical power.
    countable, uncountable
11. capacity (maximum that can be produced)
12. The quality of being suitable for or receptive to a specified treatment: the ability of a computer to be configured for use as a file server. See Usage Note at able.
13. Financial ability.
    archaic, countable, uncountable
14. possession of the qualities required to do something; necessary skill, competence, or power: the ability to cope with a problem.
15. A unique power of the mind; a faculty.
    uncountable
16. considerable proficiency; natural capability: a man of ability.
17. A skill or competence in doing; mental power; talent; aptitude.
    countable
18. (plural) special talents
    plural
19. power or capacity to do or act physically, mentally, legally, morally, or financially.
20. competence based on natural skill, training, or other qualification.
21. abilities, talents; special skills or aptitudes.

Equivalents

Examples

“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.”

“The public men of England, with much of a peculiar kind of ability”

“Natural abilities are like natural plants, that need pruning by study -”

“The most persistent tormentor was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who scored a hat-trick in last month’s corresponding fixture in Iceland. His ability to run at defences is instantly striking, but it is his clever use of possession that has persuaded some shrewd judges that he is an even better prospect than Theo Walcott.”

CEFR level