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

• 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 vehicle must prove its yet untested in-orbit refueling capability and land at least one uncrewed mission on the moon before NASA's 2027 target for Artemis 3. —Josh Dinner, Space.com, 4 Sep. 2025

For example, roles in transportation were likely to require autonomous driving skills, while maintenance positions prioritized robotics capabilities. —Dylan Butts shreya Ghosal, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025

With complete antiballistic missile means, China can significantly contain the enemy's strategic strike capabilities, which is of great significance. —Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025

Strength Isn't Static True resilience means withstanding and adapting to volatility while building the capabilities needed for sustainable growth. —Kevan Yalowitz, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see capable

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