ability

a-bil-i-ty · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The possession of the means or skill to do something.

  2. 2.

    A natural or acquired skill or talent.

  3. 3.

    The quality of being able to perform; capacity or power.

Forms

plural: abilities

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    to the best of one's ability — As well as one is able.
  • •
    ability to pay — Having the financial means to pay.
  • •
    natural ability — Talent that one is born with rather than learns.
  • •
    cognitive ability — Mental capacity for learning and reasoning.

Related words

Antonyms: disability, inability, incapacity
See also: abilities, able, capable, skill
Synonyms: capability, capacity, competence, skill, talent

Etymology

From Old French ableté, from Latin habilitās ("aptitude, ability"), from habilis ("easily handled, apt"), from habēre ("to have, hold").