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

The breakthrough could open a practical path toward advanced sensors and future quantum devices with capabilities beyond conventional electronics. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026

As launching hardware becomes routine, demand for these bespoke capabilities will likely keep growing, regardless of who does the building. — Charlotte Kiang, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026

These attacks may have some impact on Iran’s capabilities near the strait – but that only goes so far, experts warn, comparing the recent strikes to those early in the war. — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 9 July 2026

China has discussed building its own radar capability, which Virkki said would be a welcome addition, provided the data is shared openly. — Andrew Jones, Space.com, 9 July 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