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

Williams also brought in massive changes to its technical staff, that are improving the team's aerodynamic capabilities. —Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025

The standard set by Tesla's software ecosystem, which includes autonomous driving capabilities and over-the-air updates, is bar none. —New Atlas, 6 July 2025

Until now, Israel has refused to agree to a ceasefire deal that includes a comprehensive end to the war, as Netanyahu said the country’s goals included destroying Hamas’ military capability and ability to govern. —Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 5 July 2025

Its modular structure allows for new capabilities to be added as needed, making AEON a flexible addition for any industrial team. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 July 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