Ability Meaning in English
word
/əˈbɪɫəˌti/
uh-BI-li-tee
/ɐbˈɪlətˌi/
uh-BI-li-tee
Definition
The power or skill to do something. It can refer to natural talent, learned skill, or general mental or physical capacity.
Usage & Nuances
Often followed by 'to' + verb: 'the ability to solve problems'. 'Ability' is more general than 'skill'; a 'skill' is usually learned and specific. Common phrases include 'show ability', 'lose the ability', and 'a person of great ability'.
Spanish: capacidad - habilidadPortuguese (BR): capacidade - habilidadePortuguese (PT): capacidade - habilidadeChinese (Simplified): 能力Chinese (Traditional): 能力Hindi: क्षमता - योग्यताArabic: قدرة - مهارةBengali: ক্ষমতা - দক্ষতাRussian: способностьJapanese: 能力Vietnamese: khả năngKorean: 능력Turkish: yetenek - kabiliyetUrdu: صلاحیت - قابلیتIndonesian: kemampuan - kecakapan
Example Sentences
She has the ability to learn languages quickly.
basic
After the accident, he lost the ability to walk.
basic
Reading improves your ability to write well.
basic
What impressed me most was her ability to stay calm under pressure.
natural
The job requires the ability to work with different kinds of people.
natural
I doubt his ability to finish this on time without help.
natural