able

able

adjective \ˈā-bəl\

abler \-b(ə-)lər\ ablest \-b(ə-)ləst\

Definition of ABLE

1

a : having sufficient power, skill, or resources to accomplish an object

b : susceptible to action or treatment

2

: marked by intelligence, knowledge, skill, or competence

— ably \ˈā-b(ə-)lē\ adverb

Examples of ABLE

1. He will buy a new car as soon as he is able.
2. He turned out to be an able editor.
3. She is one of the ablest lawyers in the firm.

Origin of ABLE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin habilis apt, from habēre to have — more at habit

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to ABLE

Synonyms

competent, capable, equal, fit, good, qualified, suitable

Antonyms

incompetent, inept, poor, unfit, unfitted, unqualified

Related Words

accomplished, ace, adept, experienced, expert, master, masterful, masterly, practiced (also practised), proficient, seasoned, skilled, skillful, veteran; overqualified; prepared, schooled, trained; apt, ready, willing; all-around (also all-round), protean, versatile

Near Antonyms

inexperienced, inexpert, unseasoned, unskilled, unskillful; unprepared, unschooled, untrained; beginning, green, new, raw, untested, untried

Rhymes with ABLE

Babel, Bebel, cable, fable, Froebel, gable, label, sable, stable, table