ability
/əˈbɪl.ə.ti/
Word Rarity
Uncommon
Frequency: 4.96 in modern English
12
Scrabble Score
7
Letters
4
Syllables
6
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
The quality or state of being able; capacity to do or of doing something; having the necessary power.
Uncountable
Example Sentences
- "This phone has the ability to have its software upgraded wirelessly."
- "This wood has the ability to fight off insects, fungus, and mold for a considerable time."
- "Imagine a country where children do nothing but play until they start compulsory schooling at age seven. Then, without exception, they attend comprehensives until the age of 16. Charging school fees is illegal, and so is sorting pupils into ability groups by streaming or setting."
- "The ability to shift profits to low-tax countries by locating intellectual property in them, which is then licensed to related businesses in high-tax countries, is often assumed to be the preserve of high-tech companies."
- "a mixed-ability class"
- "They are persons of ability, who will go far in life."
Etymology
First attested in the 1300s. From Middle English abilite (“suitability, aptitude, ability”), from Old French ableté, from Latin habilitās (“aptness, ability”), from habilis (“apt, fit, skillful, able”); equivalent to able + -ity.