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

• credentials
• goods
• qualification
• 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

Here are four practical strategies to guide your approach: • Assess hardware capabilities. —Avery Pennarun, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024

Kids and adults will be able to learn about their capabilities. —Gabrielle Chenault, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024

Ukraine has endured more than 1,000 days of conflict with Russia, which has steadily advanced westward, inflicting significant damage to the country's energy grid and straining its military capabilities. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024

This recognition was not merely a personal milestone but a testament to his extraordinary professional capabilities. —Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see capable

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing capability

• nuclear capability