capability
Americannoun
plural
capabilities-
the quality of being capable; capacity; ability.
His capability was unquestionable.
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the ability to undergo or be affected by a given treatment or action.
the capability of glass in resisting heat.
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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
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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.
The attacks once again highlighted the capabilities of Israel’s intelligence services and its ability to catch its enemies vulnerable and unaware.
"However, a responsibility has been placed on my shoulders and I will use all my capabilities and all my faith in the almighty in order to be able to bear this heavy responsibility."
From BBC
But even these significant capabilities are unlikely to be enough to prevent Iran from successfully striking some targets.
From BBC
Shares of European defense contractors should remain strong as well as militaries around the world work to build up their own capabilities.
From Barron's
AI leaders have called technical reports released by the labs impressive, which signals that they have developed some “fundamental capabilities.”
From MarketWatch
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.
