ability

1 of 2

noun

abil·​i·​ty ə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

plural abilities

1

a

: the quality or state of being able

the ability of the soil to hold water

especially : physical, mental, or legal power to do something

a writer's ability to engage the reader's interest

did the work to the best of her ability [=as well as she could]

b

: competence in doing something : skill

artistic abilities

c

: a person's status with regard to having a disability

—used especially in legal and official statements

These guidelines not only help make web content accessible to users with sensory, cognitive and mobility disabilities, but ultimately to all users, regardless of ability.

—whitehouse.gov

2

: natural aptitude or acquired proficiency

students with different abilities

-ability

2 of 2

noun suffix

variants or less commonly -ibility

: capacity, fitness, or tendency to act or be acted on in a (specified) way

flammability

Synonyms of ability

Noun

• capability
• capacity
• faculty
• skill
• talent
• aptitude

Examples of ability in a Sentence

Noun

a young woman with many remarkable musical abilities

a young woman of great musical ability

She has shown some ability with foreign languages.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Conant, the Republican strategist, said Democrats need a response to Trump’s ability to capture support from the working class, which has long been the political demographic Democrats have been able to win over. —Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 18 Mar. 2026

But his lucid, sensitive evocations of Blume’s suburban girlhood should put the question of his ability to rest. —Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2026

All of those players Miami banished/traded away that 2019 Tanking for Tua season were proven NFL starters, players who had the ability to continue their careers as impactful contributors to the Dolphins. —Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 18 Mar. 2026

Additionally, Garcia showcased his defensive ability at third base and thrived in key moments. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 18 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English ablete, abilite, habilite "suitability, proficiency, ability," borrowed from Anglo-French abilité, borrowed from Latin habilitāt-, habilitās "aptitude," from habilis "easy to handle, adaptable, fit" + -tāt-, -tās -ty — more at able

Noun suffix

Middle English -ablete, -abilite, -iblete, -ibilite, borrowed from Anglo-French -ableté, -abilité, -ibleté, -ibilité, borrowed from Latin -abilitās, -ibilitās, from -abilis, -ibilis -able + -tās -ty

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for ability

• ability
• agility
• civility
• debility
• docility
• ductility
• facility
• acceptability
• accessibility
• adaptability
• admissibility
• advisability

Kids Definition

ability

1 of 2 noun

abil·​i·​ty ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

plural abilities

1

a

: the quality or state of being able : power to do something

b

: competence in doing : skill

2

: natural or learned skill

-ability

2 of 2 noun suffix

-abil·​i·​ty

variants also -ibility

ə-ˈbil-ət-ē

plural -ties

: ability, fitness, or likeliness to act or be acted on in (such) a way

readability

Etymology

Noun suffix

derived from Latin -abilitas, -ibilitas "-ability"