capability

noun

ca·​pa·​bil·​i·​ty ˌkā-pə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce capability (audio)
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

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 That anxiety has helped give rise to a new corporate obsession: upskilling, the idea that companies should teach their staff new skills outside their current capabilities. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2024 Chief’s will include not only a ticketed music venue, but also additional live entertainment throughout the building, as well as a studio to be used for broadcasting (including for Eric Church Outsiders Radio on SiriusXM), with the capability to host broadcasts from various media partners. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 6 Mar. 2024 Both the fab’s technological capability and target applications point toward products that were at the heart of the pandemic-era chip shortage. IEEE Spectrum, 6 Mar. 2024 Plant hardiness zone maps recently were updated, showing Michigan's expanding capability to grow plants that previously only grew in states south of here. Keith Matheny, Detroit Free Press, 6 Mar. 2024 Ukraine has also sought to degrade Moscow’s naval capabilities, causing significant damage to Russia’s Black Sea fleet since the war began, according to Ukrainian officials and military analysts. Constant Méheut, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2024 Ultimately, artificial intelligence should complement and elevate human intelligence and capability, not replace it. Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2024 While CPAs may have a higher starting median salary, MBAs often see rapid salary growth in various industries, reflecting the value of their broad business skills and leadership capabilities. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2024 Pilot programs and public demonstrations showcased the capabilities of autonomous vehicles, gradually building confidence among consumers and regulators. Marc Emmer, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'capability.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see capable

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of capability was in 1587

Dictionary Entries Near capability

Cite this Entry

“Capability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capability. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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