able

adjective

\ ˈā-bəl

Definition of able

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : having sufficient power, skill, or resources to do something able to solve a problem

b : having the freedom or opportunity to do something hopes to be able to visit soon

c : 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 abler\ ˈā-b(ə-)lər

\;ablest\ ˈā-b(ə-)ləst

\ : marked by intelligence, knowledge, skill, or competence an able administrator

-able

adjective suffix

variants: or less commonly -ible

Definition of -able (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : capable of, fit for, or worthy of (being so acted upon or toward) —chiefly in adjectives derived from verbs breakablecollectible

2 : tending, given, or liable to agreeable perishable

Other Words from able Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about able

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Synonyms & Antonyms for able

Synonyms: Adjective

Antonyms: Adjective

Examples of able in a Sentence

Adjective 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 on the Web: Adjective Democrats hold a narrow majority in the House and a bare majority in the Senate, with Vice President Kamala Harris able to break a tie in the upper chamber. — Katherine Doyle, Washington Examiner, "Biden campaign pledge to Beto O'Rourke on leading gun control push appears to be an empty one," 15 Feb. 2021 Some manufacturing plants may be able to lower their emissions by plugging into an electricity grid run on renewable energy. — Katy Daigle, Star Tribune, "Bill Gates warns that manufacturing could challenge climate goals," 15 Feb. 2021 Dozens of people, including many reporters, weren’t able to listen. — Victoria Bekiempis, Wired, "How Covid Gums Up the Court System," 15 Feb. 2021 Trump, who has been banned from Twitter since the January riots, was not able to respond to the adoration expressed on the site. — Stephanie Toone, ajc, "On social media, Trump both cheered and jeered for Presidents Day," 15 Feb. 2021 Studies have shown that the body's virus-fighting cells are able to remember the pathogen from a previous illness and attack, either killing the infection or staving off more severe symptoms. — Meryl Kornfield, BostonGlobe.com, "First known patient reinfected with South Africa coronavirus variant is in critical condition," 14 Feb. 2021 Oglesby was able to slow down Davis after his hot start, Gates pointed out. — cleveland, "Cleveland State overcomes abysmal start, maintains share of first in Horizon League with 71-64 win over Detroit Mercy," 14 Feb. 2021 In less isolated times, when people are able to gather together to mourn, family members can circle together and comfort each other personally. — Amy Dickinson, oregonlive, "Ask Amy: Brother’s sudden death brings acute grief, loss of family connection," 14 Feb. 2021 City officials say most middle schools will be able to accommodate many students five days a week. — Eliza Shapiro, New York Times, "New York Was the 1st Big School District to Reopen. Here’s What Happened.," 14 Feb. 2021

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.

History and Etymology for able

Adjective

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 give entry 1

Adjective suffix

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)

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Last Updated

21 Feb 2021

Cite this Entry

“Able.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/able. Accessed 3 Mar. 2021.

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More Definitions for able

-able

adjective suffix

English Language Learners Definition of -able

: fit for or worthy of being

: likely to or capable of

: having a certain quality

See the full definition for -able in the English Language Learners Dictionary

able

adjective

\ ˈā-bəl

abler\ -blər \; ablest\ -bləst \

Kids Definition of able

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

variants: also -ible \ ə-bəl \

Kids Definition of -able

1 : capable of, fit for, or worthy of being lovable flexible

2 : tending or likely to changeable

Choose the Right Synonym for able

Adjective

able and capable mean having the power to do or accomplish. able may be used for someone who has exceptional skill and has done well in the past. She is an able surgeon with years of experience. capable is usually used to describe someone who has the characteristics suitable for a particular kind of work. The recruits soon proved to be capable soldiers.