capability

UK: /ˌkeɪpəˈbɪlɪti/ US: /ˌkeɪpəˈbɪlɪti/ ,(kā′pə bil′i tē)

Inflections of 'capability' (n): npl: capabilities

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

ca•pa•bil•i•ty /ˌkeɪpəˈbɪlɪti/   n. 

1. power;
   ability;
   the quality of being capable:
   [uncountable] She is an actress of great capability.
   [countable] We admire her capabilities as an instructor.
2. the power or ability to wage a war:
   [uncountable] the nuclear capability of that country.
   [countable] nuclear and weapons research capabilities.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

ca•pa•bil•i•ty  (kā′pə bil′i tē), n., pl. -ties. 

1. the quality of being capable;
   capacity;
   ability:
   His capability was unquestionable.
2. the ability to undergo or be affected by a given treatment or action:
   the capability of glass in resisting heat.
3. Usually, capabilities. qualities, abilities, features, etc., that can be used or developed;
   potential:
   Though dilapidated, the house has great capabilities.

• Late Latin capābili(s) capable + -ty²
• Middle French capabilité)
• (1580–90

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

capability / ˌkeɪpəˈbɪlɪtɪ/ noun ( -ties)

1. the quality of being capable; ability
2. the quality of being susceptible to the use or treatment indicated: the capability of a metal to be fused
3. (usually plural) a characteristic that may be developed; potential aptitude