ability

noun

ə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce ability (audio)
Definition of abilitynext
as in capability
the physical or mental power to do something as a result of the accident the once-vigorous athlete lost the ability to walk

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ability To cure this deficiency, SED needs statutory authority and staff to conduct investigations and the ability to exact financial penalties on violators. — David Bloomfield, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026 The ability to intervene with braking is especially significant. — New Atlas, 1 Nov. 2026 Their ability to right the ship is crucial for retirees and the economy. — Lorie Konish, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2026 That’s what live music can give us as fans — the ability to gather, feel, hear, and sing together. — Maribeth Romslo, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ability
  1. capability
  2. capacity
  3. faculty
  4. skill
  5. talent
  6. aptitude
Noun
  • Each ship comes with 16 missile launch cells, a Lockheed Martin SPY-7 radar, an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter, and other cutting-edge missile defense capabilities.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Nevertheless, for investors willing to develop that capability, international sourcing can create access to businesses that domestic-only buyers overlook.
    — Chris Russo, Sportico.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of capability
Noun
  • The additional site will further strengthen the company’s manufacturing network in Colorado and provide additional capacity for its growing space and sensor systems business.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The massive 5,942-lb (2,695 kg) weight is somewhat disguised by a system that swaps traditional mechanical anti-roll bars for triple-stage adjustable air springs linked to a high-capacity central hydraulic pressure reservoir.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of capacity
Noun
  • But the faculty and programs that maintain the vibrancy of our schools — from dedicated staff to arts and cultural programs — are under threat.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The second phase of the Innovation Building, for example, will provide additional laboratory space to meet growing demand and support the recruitment of top faculty.
    — Luisa Yanez, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of faculty
Noun
  • During the interview with TBPN, Karp argued that AI is changing which skills and perspectives are valuable in the workplace.
    — Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Netflix’s skills and training programs reached over 6,500 people in Korea between 2021 and 2025.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of skill
Noun
  • Koenig died Monday at his home in the North Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles, talent agent Zachery McGinnis said in a statement.
    — JONATHAN LANDRUM JR. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Maybe talents like Misiorowski and Caminero and Chourio only come around once every couple decades.
    — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of talent
Noun
  • The Duke then entered the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, where his aptitude for foreign languages was recognized with a prize.
    — Stephanie Bridger-Linning, Vanity Fair, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Naturally, his work at Celine has now been put in conversation with hers, especially because both designers share an aptitude for creating clothes real people want to wear–and, therefore, many of the same fans.
    — Joan Kennedy, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of aptitude

Browse Nearby Words

abilities
ability
a bit
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ability. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ability

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