Ability — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ə-ˈbi-lə-tē/ abil·i·ty

Meaning & Definition of Ability

Ability (noun)

  1. the quality or state of being able; especially, physical, mental, or legal power to do something
  2. competence in doing something, skill
  3. a person's status with regard to having a disability —used especially in legal and official statements

Ability (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the physical or mental power to do something

    "as a result of the accident the once-vigorous athlete lost the ability to walk"

    similar: capability, capableness, capacity, competence, competency, faculty
    related: aptitude, aptness, endowment, equipment, facility, gift, knack, talent, address, adroitness, deftness, dexterity, hand, prowess, skill, gray matter, instinct, intelligence, ken, reason, understanding, might, potency, puissance, staying power, stuff, adequacy, effectiveness, effectualness, fitness, form, influence, resourcefulness, usefulness, means, resources, wherewithal
    opposite: disability, inability, incapability, incapableness, incapacity, incompetence, incompetency, ineptitude, ineptness
    near: helplessness, impotence, paralysis, powerlessness, weakness, defectiveness, deficiency, inadequacy, inadequateness, ineffectiveness, ineffectuality, ineffectualness, inefficaciousness, inefficacy, uselessness, debilitation, disablement, impairment, incapacitation

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Ability

The most common words with a similar meaning to Ability:

capability, capableness, capacity, competence, competency, faculty

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Ability

Words with the opposite meaning of Ability:

disability, inability, incapability, incapableness, incapacity, incompetence, incompetency, ineptitude, ineptness

Related Words for Ability

aptitude, aptness, endowment, equipment, facility, gift, knack, talent, address, adroitness, deftness, dexterity, hand, prowess, skill, gray matter, instinct, intelligence, ken, reason, understanding, might, potency, puissance, staying power, stuff, adequacy, effectiveness, effectualness, fitness

Near Antonyms of Ability

helplessness, impotence, paralysis, powerlessness, weakness, defectiveness, deficiency, inadequacy, inadequateness, ineffectiveness, ineffectuality, ineffectualness, inefficaciousness, inefficacy, uselessness, debilitation, disablement, impairment, incapacitation

Word Forms of Ability

Inflections: abilities

Origin & Etymology of Ability

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 able

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Ability

Words & Phrases Containing Ability

-ability

Frequently Asked Questions about Ability

What does "Ability" mean?

"Ability" means the quality or state of being able; especially, physical, mental, or legal power to do something. As a noun, it is defined as: the quality or state of being able; especially, physical, mental, or legal power to do something.

What is another word for "Ability"?

Other words for "Ability" include capability, capableness, capacity, competence, competency and faculty. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Ability" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Ability"?

There are 43 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Ability". Common alternatives include capability, capableness, capacity, competence, competency and faculty.

What is the opposite of "Ability"?

Antonyms of "Ability" include disability, inability, incapability, incapableness, incapacity, incompetence, incompetency and ineptitude. Near antonyms include helplessness, impotence, paralysis and powerlessness.

How do you use "Ability" in a sentence?

Examples of "Ability" in a sentence: "as a result of the accident the once-vigorous athlete lost the ability to walk".

Is "Ability" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Ability" is a noun.

Is "Ability" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A2-level word, "Ability" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.

How do you pronounce "Ability"?

"Ability" is pronounced /ə-ˈbi-lə-tē/ and divided into syllables as abil·i·ty.