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 of capability

• 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

Despite Europe’s leading talent pools and R&D capabilities, which are key ingredients for a flourishing innovation economy, the money isn’t flowing. —Riddhi Kanetkar, Fortune, 13 Nov. 2025

Ukraine’s defense capabilities surprised the world, as local governments organized volunteers, kept supply lines open, and even mobilized self-defense units. —Big Think, 12 Nov. 2025

To combine Mediawan’s passion for nurturing great storytelling and their far-reaching strategic capabilities, with the incredible creative leadership of Mona and Tanya Qureshi, instinctively feels like an undeniable way to catapult this journey. —Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 12 Nov. 2025

Its success expanded Bellus Labs’ reach and enabled investment in new capabilities, all while maintaining a commitment to high-quality, natural ingredients. —Matt Emma, USA Today, 12 Nov. 2025

Word History

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