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 Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about able

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Other Words from able

Adjective

ably \ ˈā-b(ə-)lē

\ adverb

a task performed ably

Adjective suffix

-ably or less commonly -ibly adverb suffix

Synonyms & Antonyms for able

Synonyms: Adjective

capable, competent, equal, fit, good, qualified, suitable

Antonyms: Adjective

incompetent, inept, poor, unfit, unfitted, unqualified

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.

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

But, on these three crucial issues, Bolton was able to get the better of Trump. — Dexter Filkins, The New Yorker, "How John Bolton Got the Better of President Trump," 10 Sep. 2019 If the ban passes the full City Council, according to The Island Packet, Beaufort County sheriff's deputies would be able to ticket anyone who breaks the rules. — Melissa Locker, Southern Living, "Hilton Head Island's Latest Efforts to Protect Sea Turtles and Beachgoers," 9 Sep. 2019 Moras looks for a triangle or armbar but isn’t able to get anything. — Todd Martin, Los Angeles Times, "UFC 242 live updates: Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Dustin Poirier," 7 Sep. 2019 If Ray isn’t able to go, the most likely candidate to start in his place would appear to be right-hander Taylor Clarke, who has thrown well in his big league appearances since mid-July. — Nick Piecoro, azcentral, "D-Backs still hopeful Robbie Ray’s blister isn’t serious," 7 Sep. 2019 Akron was able to find the end zone early and even added another score with less than five minutes to play to cut the Blazers lead in half. — Evan Dudley, al, "Quarter-by-quarter look at UAB’s 31-20 road victory over Akron," 7 Sep. 2019 The injury set him back a bit, hasn’t been able to find his footing since. — Shayna Rubin, The Mercury News, "A closer look at Khris Davis’ prolonged slump," 7 Sep. 2019 Samii dressed hundreds of women able and willing to pay at least $8,000 for gala and wedding gowns. — Mallory Moench, SFChronicle.com, "‘A dying art’: SF couture designer Lily Samii retires as industry evolves," 6 Sep. 2019 We are honored to implement this pilot program and hope that other senior centers will be able to learn from it to expand their transportation options for older adults. — Elizabeth Marie Himchak, Pomerado News, "Pilot program is offering limited free rides to seniors," 6 Sep. 2019

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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