ability
gb/əbˈɪləti/ us/əbˈɪləti/
A2
English
~ 1000
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
the power or skill to do something
The power or skill to do something.
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s ability to [do something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'ability' with 'skill'. 'Ability' is more general, while 'skill' is usually specific and learned.
Synonyms
skill (Emphasizes learned proficiency in a specific area, rather than general capacity.)
|
capability (Slightly more formal; often used in technical or organizational contexts.)
Antonyms
inability (Direct opposite, meaning lack of power or skill to do something.)
Collocations
natural ability
|physical ability
|mental ability
|ability to learn
|demonstrate ability
Themes
daily life
|education
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Her ability to solve problems quickly impressed the interviewers.
- He has the ability to speak three languages fluently.
- The job requires the ability to work under pressure.
- Athletes train hard to improve their physical abilities.
Learner examples
- She has the ability to swim fast.
- I have the ability to cook simple meals.
- He shows great ability in drawing.
- We need someone with the ability to type quickly.
Grammar
Dictionary form
ability
IPA
GB/əbˈɪləti/
US/əbˈɪləti/
Syllables & stress
abil - ity (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ity)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: ability
- Plural: abilities, ability
Word family
Expressions
beyond one's abilities
1/bɪjˈɔnd wˈʌnz əbˈɪlətiz/
fixed phrase
too difficult for someone to do
Too hard for someone to do.
Examples
- This math problem is beyond my abilities.
- Climbing that mountain was beyond his abilities.
show your abilities
1/ʃˈoʊ jˈʊɹ əbˈɪlətiz/
fixed phrase
demonstrate what you can do well
To show what you can do well.
Examples
- This competition is a chance to show your abilities.
- He showed his abilities during the project presentation.
to the best of your ability
1/tə ðə bˈɛst əv jˈʊɹ əbˈɪləti/
fixed phrase
as well as possible for you
Do something as well as you can.
Examples
- Please complete the form to the best of your ability.
- She answered all the questions to the best of her ability.