plural capabilities
: the ability to do something
The device has the capability of recording two television channels at once.
That kind of job is beyond my capability. [=it is too difficult for me]
—often pluralStudents are expected to participate in sports according to their capabilities. [=abilities]
a computer program's search capabilities
a cell phone with video game and Internet capabilities
The company doesn't have any manufacturing capability. [=capacity]
The country's military capability is unclear. [=the country's ability to fight a war is unclear]
The country does not have nuclear capability. [=does not have nuclear weapons]
Cite this Entry
“Capability.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/capability. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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