ability

noun abil·i·ty \ ə-ˈbi-lə-tē \

Updated on: 13 Apr 2018

Definition of ability

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

2 : natural aptitude or acquired proficiency

students with different abilities

See ability defined for English-language learners

See ability defined for kids

Examples of ability in a Sentence

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 of ability from the Web

Technology will soon allow an unprecedented ability to monitor all sorts of data: the length of trips, the number of occupants, time of day and so much more.

— john gallagher, chicagotribune.com, "Driverless cars may make traffic worse, not better," 10 Apr. 2018
Zuckerberg has sole voting power for major decisions, raising questions about his accountability and ability to handle such responsibility.

— Bloomberg.com, "Zuckerberg Testifies Before Senate Panel," 10 Apr. 2018
His athleticism and ability to score points in four events was a big reason Century won the county, region and state meets this winter.

— jeff seidel, baltimoresun.com, "2017-18 All-Metro boys indoor track and field Performer of the Year: Jalen Stanton, Century," 10 Apr. 2018
His versatility and ability to move inside on passing downs gives him the early edge as the first man up behind Garrett and Ogbah.

— cleveland.com, "Cleveland Browns predraft depth chart: Defensive line," 9 Apr. 2018
The show tests competitors’ precision, control, decision-making and ability to handle pressure.

— hal boedeker, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Pine Hills golfer competes in 'Shotmakers'," 9 Apr. 2018
Orange: Orange is known for its warmth, energy and ability to stimulate appetites.

— meghan overdeep, Southern Living, "WATCH: These 5 Mood-Boosting Paint Colors Will Make Your Home a Happier Place," 9 Apr. 2018
Tunji has an innate ability to identify an artist’s musical genius and understands the potential of their cultural impact.

— gail mitchell, Billboard, "RCA Enters Into Keep Cool Joint Venture With Co-Founder Tunji Balogun: Exclusive," 9 Apr. 2018
The 6-4, 291-pounder draws high marks from scouts for his athleticism, intelligence and ability to penetrate the backfield.

— aaron wilson, Houston Chronicle, "Coveted Florida DT Taven Bryan on NFL tour," 9 Apr. 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of ability

Middle English ablete, abilite, habilite "suitability, proficiency, ability," borrowed from Anglo-French abilité, borrowed from Latin habilitāt-, habilitās "aptitude," from habilis "easy to handle, adaptable, fit" + -tāt-, -tās -ty — more at able

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

ability Synonyms

-ability

noun suffix

variants: or less commonly -ibility

Definition of -ability

: capacity, fitness, or tendency to act or be acted on in a (specified) way

agglutinability

Origin and Etymology of -ability

Middle English -ablete, -abilite, -iblete, -ibilite, borrowed from Anglo-French -ableté, -abilité, -ibleté, -ibilité, borrowed from Latin -abilitās, -ibilitās, from -abilis, -ibilis -able + -tās -ty

ABILITY Defined for English Language Learners

-ability

noun suffix

Definition of -ability for English Language Learners

: ability, fitness, or likeliness to act or be acted on in (such) a way

ABILITY Defined for Kids

ability

noun abil·i·ty \ ə-ˈbi-lə-tē \

Definition of ability for Students

plural abilities

1 : power to do something

The cleaner has the ability to kill germs.

2 : natural talent or acquired skill

great musical ability

Synonym Discussion of ability

ability and talent mean physical or mental power to do or accomplish something. ability may be used of an inborn power to do something especially well.