ability
Plural: abilities
Noun
- The quality or skill of being able to do something.
- the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment
- possession of the qualities (especially mental qualities) required to do something or get something done
- Suitableness.
- The quality or state of being able; capacity to do or of doing something; having the necessary power.
- The legal wherewithal to act.
- Physical power.
- Financial ability.
- A unique power of the mind; a faculty.
- A skill or competence in doing; mental power; talent; aptitude.
Examples
- a mixed-ability class
- Her ability to spot a bingo on a messy rack was uncanny.
- She has an uncanny ability to defuse conflict.
- They are persons of ability, who will go far in life.
- 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.
Origin / 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.
Synonyms
power, aptitude, aptness, capability, capacity, cleverness, dexterity, faculty, skill, talent
Antonyms
Scrabble Score: 12
ability: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Wordability: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
ability: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary