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

• credentials
• goods
• qualification
• 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

For engineering leaders, the imperative is clear: Foster these capabilities within your teams now, or risk falling behind organizations that do. —Drew Naukam, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025

Berries, dark leafy greens, tomatoes, carrots, and apples also contain a bunch of antioxidants with anti-inflammatory capabilities. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 25 Apr. 2025

Our forces have struck hundreds of targets and decimated Houthi leadership, substantially reducing their capabilities and the threat to U.S. ships in the Red Sea and across and through the BAM (Bab al Mandab Strait). —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025

Spigen Life Passport Wallet $35 $30 at Amazon The low-profile Spigen Life passport wallet adds minimal bulk to your pocket while boasting RFID-blocking capabilities and organizational elements. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 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