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

My prediction here is that labs will become increasingly sophisticated and autonomous, accelerating R&D and empowering nations with limited resources to build their own biotech capabilities. —Check Warner Mbe, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025

Intel is shedding thousands of workers and cutting expenses — including some domestic semiconductor manufacturing capabilities — as Tan, who took over as CEO in March, tries to revive the fortunes of the struggling chipmaker. —Michelle Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2025

Central States estimates 50 new jobs at the facility this year, with plans to add 140 more when the plant adds additional shifts and capabilities. —Arkansas Online, 7 Aug. 2025

The agreement, the biggest of its kind in the countries’ history, involves the sale of 11 stealth frigates able to launch long-range missiles, significantly expanding Australia’s maritime defense capabilities. —Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 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