abil·i·ty
ə-ˈbi-lə-tē 
plural abilities
1
a
: the quality or state of being able
the ability of the soil to hold water
especially
: physical, mental, or legal power to do something
a writer's ability to engage the reader's interest
did the work to the best of her ability [=as well as she could]
b
: competence in doing something : skill
artistic abilities
c
: a person's status with regard to having a disability
—used especially in legal and official statements
These guidelines not only help make web content accessible to users with sensory, cognitive and mobility disabilities, but ultimately to all users, regardless of ability.—
whitehouse.gov
whitehouse.gov2
: natural aptitude or acquired proficiency
students with different abilities
variants
or less commonly -ibility
: capacity, fitness, or tendency to act or be acted on in a (specified) way
agglutinability
Examples of ability in a Sentence
Noun
a young woman with many remarkable musical abilities
a young woman of great musical ability
She has shown some ability with foreign languages.
Recent Examples on the Web
Sarah Cutler
june 28, Idaho Statesman, 28 June 2025
The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 28 June 2025
The bold patterns add a touch of fun, and the bag’s ability to stand upright ensures easy packing and unpacking on busy beach days.
—Jené Luciani Sena
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 28 June 2025
Leaves that are underwater can encourage bacteria, cloud the water, cause odors, and decrease your flower stem’s ability to take up water.
—Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for ability
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Noun
That can make a difference in Idaho’s ability to secure those resources, as well as the prices contractors charge the state for firefighting services and equipment, Little said.
—Sarah Cutler
june 28, Idaho Statesman, 28 June 2025
The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 28 June 2025
The bold patterns add a touch of fun, and the bag’s ability to stand upright ensures easy packing and unpacking on busy beach days.
—Jené Luciani Sena
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 28 June 2025
Leaves that are underwater can encourage bacteria, cloud the water, cause odors, and decrease your flower stem’s ability to take up water.
—Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for ability
Cite this Entry
“Ability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ability. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ability
1 of 2 noun
abil·i·ty
ə-ˈbil-ət-ē
plural abilities
1
a
: the quality or state of being able : power to do something
b
: competence in doing : skill
2
: natural or learned skill
-ability
2 of 2 noun suffix
-abil·i·ty
variants
also -ibility
ə-ˈbil-ət-ē
plural -ties
: ability, fitness, or likeliness to act or be acted on in (such) a way
readability
Etymology
Noun suffix
derived from Latin -abilitas, -ibilitas "-ability"
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