able

play

adjective \ˈā-bəl\

Definition of able

1a : having sufficient power, skill, or resources to do something able to solve a problemb : having the freedom or opportunity to do something hopes to be able to visit soonc : having a quality or nature that makes something possible a car able to hold five people : susceptible to some action or treatment a shoe able to be repaired
2 ablerplay \-b(ə-)lər\; ablestplay \-b(ə-)ləst\ : marked by intelligence, knowledge, skill, or competence an able administrator

ably

play \ˈā-b(ə-)lē\ adverb a task performed ably

See able defined for English-language learners

See able defined for kids

Examples of able in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of able from the Web

Now, to be able to have this atmosphere (within the team) with all these amazing players is just amazing.

— dan shalin, chicagotribune.com, "Emma Weaver scores twice, leads New Trier to girls soccer state final", 3 June 2017
That will actually inhibit some countries—particularly newly emerging economies—from being able to invest in some of the technologies that would bring their emissions down.

— robinson meyer, The Atlantic, "Avoiding Two Degrees of Warming 'Is Now Totally Unrealistic'", 3 June 2017
Labour is buoyed not only by a dedicated young and social media savvy fan base that is often able to dictate the terms of the debate, but also the lackluster performance of Britain's other major parties, the Liberal Democrats and UKIP.

— adam taylor, Washington Post, "A polling shift suggests Britain’s election may be more exciting — and unpredictable — than expected", 2 June 2017
The percent able to beat their benchmark this year stands at its highest since February 2015, Bank of America data show.

— dani burger, Bloomberg.com, "Investors Go All-In on Tech Giants", 30 May 2017
Moments later, Casey was able to escape by jumping out of the car in the vicinity of Jack's Restaurant.

— carol robinson, AL.com, "Man charged with 8 crimes in weekend abduction, shooting of woman in Blount County", 30 May 2017
Authorities say a wounded black bear attacked and injured an Idaho hunter, who was able to shoot the animal after the two tumbled down a hill.

— the associated press, The Seattle Times, "Wounded bear bites Idaho hunter before he kills animal", 29 May 2017
The conflict has undermined the effectiveness of regulatory mechanisms, and powerful people have been able to exploit the natural resources at the expense of less influential locals.

— doug clark, New York Times, "In Myanmar, a Lake That Sustained Generations Feels Strains", 28 May 2017
Using this observation, Dr. Yancey was able to form a scientific hypothesis -- a term that is formed from two Greek words, ``hy,'' which means ``something,''

— miamiherald, "Classic '97: Ever seen a bald dog?", 4 May 1997

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'able'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of able

Middle English able, abill, borrowed from Anglo-French, going back to Latin habilis “easily handled or adjusted, adaptable,” from habēre “to have, hold” + -ilis, alteration (by haplology before labial consonants) of -ibilis -ible — more at ¹give

First Known Use: 14th century

-able

adjective suffix

variants: or less commonly

-ible

Definition of -able

1 : capable of, fit for, or worthy of (being so acted upon or toward) —chiefly in adjectives derived from verbs breakable collectible
2 : tending, given, or liable to agreeable perishable

-ably

or less commonly

-ibly

adverb suffix

Origin and Etymology of -able

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French and Middle French, going back to Latin -ābilis, -ibilis, from -ā-, -i- (thematic vowels of various conjugations of verbs) + -bilis “capable (of acting) or worthy of (being acted upon),” going back to pre-Latin *-dhl-is, adjective suffix formed from the instrumental noun suffix *-dhl-om (whence Latin -bulum)

ABLE Defined for English Language Learners

-able

adjective suffix

Definition of -able for English Language Learners

: fit for or worthy of being
: likely to or capable of
: having a certain quality

ABLE Defined for Kids

able

play

adjective \ˈā-bəl\

Definition of able for Students

abler

\-blər\;

ablest

\-bləst\

1 : having enough power, resources, or skill to do something Are you able to swim?
2 : having the freedom or opportunity to do something I'll come when I'm able.
3 : having or showing much skill an able dancer

-able

adjective suffix \ə-bəl\

variants: also

-ible

\ə-bəl\

Definition of -able for Students

1 : capable of, fit for, or worthy of being lovable flexible
2 : tending or likely to changeable

-ably

also

-ibly

\ə-blē\ adverb suffix adorably

Law Dictionary

able

adjective

Legal Definition of able

1 : possessed of needed powers or of needed resources to accomplish an objective able to perform under the contract
2 : having freedom from restriction or obligation or from conditions preventing an action able to vote
3 : legally qualified : possessed of legal competence able to inherit property