capability

noun

ca·​pa·​bil·​i·​ty ˌkā-pə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

plural capabilities

1

: the quality or state of being capable

also : ability

The mayor has demonstrated his capability to handle municipal problems.

2

: a feature or faculty capable of development : potentiality

This vacant urban district has great capabilities.

3

: the facility or potential for an indicated use or deployment

the capability of a metal to be fused

nuclear capability

Synonyms of capability

• qualification
• ability
• expertise
• talent
• stuff

Examples of capability in a Sentence

The device has the capability of recording two television channels at once.

the nature of the tasks to which you are assigned will depend on your capabilities

Recent Examples on the Web

Too many players have mistaken the AI boom for a chance to buy credibility rather than to build capability. —Judah Taub, semafor.com, 13 Feb. 2026

FedEx also aims to build on its data and artificial intelligence capabilities to improve network planning and better predict global trade flows. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 13 Feb. 2026

This satellite will provide broadband internet and communications capability for public use facilities in Indonesia’s rural regions. —Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026

In prior administrations, including during my time in the Obama administration, such leverage ran into statutory guardrails under the Taiwan Relations Act, which obligates the United States to provide Taiwan defensive capabilities. —Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing capability

• nuclear capability

Rhymes for capability

• affability
• audibility
• bistability
• changeability
• contractility
• credibility
• culpability
• disability
• disutility
• durability
• fallibility
• feasibility