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

The number of high-earning solopreneurs is surging, empowered by AI tools that provide capabilities of larger teams, making self-employment increasingly attractive. — Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

The spaces, which sound like Rolls-Royce’s Private Offices, will be where customers are able to immerse themselves in the brand’s luxury capabilities. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 6 Aug. 2026

On Tuesday, the White House hosted AI companies to discuss a new framework for reviewing the industry’s most advanced models’ cybersecurity capabilities. — Cj Haddad, CNBC, 6 Aug. 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