ability

noun

(uncountable) The quality or state of being able; capacity to do or of doing something; having the necessary power.

(countable) A skill or competence in doing; mental power; talent; aptitude.

(uncountable) A unique power of the mind; a faculty.

The legal wherewithal to act.

(now limited to Scotland dialects) Physical power.

(archaic) Financial ability.

(obsolete) Suitableness.

Roots

habilisabil- · Latin · able

Synonyms for ability

capabilityn powern competencen skilln adeptnessn adroitnessn skillfulnessn aptituden prowessn dexterityn deftnessn proficiencyn capacityn competencyn talentsn expertnessn resourcefulnessn wherewithaln expertisen

Synonyms & related words for ability

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of ability — including capability, power, competence, skill, adeptness, adroitness. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to ability

Explore words related to ability — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include inability, able, willingness, acumen, nimbleness, agility, adaptability, strengths. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for ability

Common synonyms for ability include capability, power, competence, skill, adeptness, adroitness, skillfulness, aptitude — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does ability come from?

The word ability breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root abil-, from Latin habilis (“able”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.