the ability or power to contain, absorb, or hold the amount that can be contained; volume: a capacity of six gallons the maximum amount something can contain or absorb (esp in the phrase filled to capacity) (as modifier): a capacity crowd the ability to understand or learn; aptitude; capability: he has a great capacity for languages the ability to do or produce (often in the phrase at capacity): the factory's output was not at capacity a specified position or function a measure of the electrical output of a piece of apparatus such as a motor, generator, or accumulator - a former name for capacitance
the number of words or characters that can be stored in a particular storage device the range of numbers that can be processed in a register legal competence: the capacity to make a will
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025
ca•pac•i•ty /kəˈpæsɪti/USA pronunciation
n., pl. -ties, adj.
n.
adj. [before a noun]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025n.
- the maximum amount or number that can be contained;
volume: [countable; usually singular]a jug with a capacity of two quarts.[uncountable]The stadium was filled to capacity. - the power or ability of the mind;
mental ability: [uncountable]Those calculus problems were beyond my capacity.[countable]People bring different capacities to the language learning process. - ability to perform, yield, or withstand:[countable* usually singular]a high capacity to withstand pressure.
- [countable] position;
function;
role: asked to serve in an advisory capacity.
adj. [before a noun]
- reaching the maximum number: a capacity crowd.
ca•pac•i•ty
(kə pas′i tē),USA pronunciation n., pl. -ties, adj.
n.
adj.
n.
- the ability to receive or contain:This hotel has a large capacity.
- Weights and Measuresthe maximum amount or number that can be received or contained;
cubic contents;
volume:The inn is filled to capacity.The gasoline tank has a capacity of 20 gallons. - power of receiving impressions, knowledge, etc.;
mental ability:the capacity to learn calculus. - actual or potential ability to perform, yield, or withstand:He has a capacity for hard work. The capacity of the oil well was 150 barrels a day. She has the capacity to go two days without sleep.
- quality or state of being susceptible to a given treatment or action:Steel has a high capacity to withstand pressure.
- position;
function;
role:He served in the capacity of legal adviser. - Lawlegal qualification.
- Electricity
- capacitance.
- maximum possible output.
adj.
- reaching maximum capacity:a capacity audience; a capacity crowd.
- Latin capācitāt- (stem of capācitās), equivalent. to capāci-, stem of capāx roomy (cap(ere) to hold + -āci- adjective, adjectival suffix) + -tāt- -ty2
- Middle French
- late Middle English capacite 1375–1425
- 2.See corresponding entry in Unabridged dimensions, amplitude.
- 3.See corresponding entry in Unabridged endowment, talent, gifts.
- 4.See corresponding entry in Unabridged aptitude, adequacy, competence, capability.
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