capability

noun

ca·​pa·​bil·​i·​ty ˌkā-pə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

plural capabilities

1

: the quality or state of being capable

also : ability

The mayor has demonstrated his capability to handle municipal problems.

2

: a feature or faculty capable of development : potentiality

This vacant urban district has great capabilities.

3

: the facility or potential for an indicated use or deployment

the capability of a metal to be fused

nuclear capability

Synonyms of capability

• qualification
• ability
• expertise
• talent
• stuff

Examples of capability in a Sentence

The device has the capability of recording two television channels at once.

the nature of the tasks to which you are assigned will depend on your capabilities

Recent Examples on the Web

According to The Information, Meta began developing a second version, Max 2, in September, with planned improvements to its hands, torso, and sensing capabilities. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026

Since then, gulf nations have spent billions of dollars to boost their defense capabilities. — Sarah El Deeb, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026

Its capabilities include identifying moving and stationary vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists in relevant collision scenarios. — New Atlas, 1 Nov. 2026

From their perspective, math problems are practical benchmarks to measure the capabilities of their products. — Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing capability

• nuclear capability

Rhymes for capability

• affability
• audibility
• bistability
• changeability
• contractility
• credibility
• culpability
• disability
• disutility
• durability
• fallibility
• feasibility