able
gb/ˈeɪbəl/ us/ˈeɪbəl/
A2
English
~ 400
Senses
0 senses
adjective
A2
property
1
Having the power or skill
Having the skill, strength, or power to do something.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is able to [verb]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'able to' with 'can'; 'can' is often used for general ability, while 'able to' is more formal or for specific situations.
Synonyms
capable (Similar meaning but can also describe general potential rather than immediate ability.)
Antonyms
unable (Direct opposite, meaning lacking the ability to do something.)
Collocations
able to work
|able to help
|able to speak
Themes
daily life
|abilities
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She is able to finish the project on time.
- He was able to lift the heavy box by himself.
- After months of training, I am finally able to run five kilometers without stopping.
Learner examples
- I am able to swim.
- She is able to read English.
- We are able to play the guitar.
adjective
B1
property
2
Intelligent or competent
Smart or good at doing something.
Usage pattern:
an able [person/professional]
Common mistake:
Learners might mix this meaning with 'able to' + verb, which expresses possibility rather than describing a person’s qualities.
Synonyms
competent (Suggests having adequate skill without necessarily being exceptional.)
Antonyms
incompetent (Lacking the necessary skill or ability for a task.)
Collocations
an able leader
|an able student
|an able worker
Themes
work
|education
Examples
- She proved herself to be an able negotiator.
- The company is looking for an able programmer to join their team.
- He is one of the most able students in the class.
Learner examples
- She is an able teacher.
- He is an able driver.
- They are able workers.
Grammar
Dictionary form
able
IPA
GB/ˈeɪbəl/
US/ˈeɪbəl/
Syllables & stress
able (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (able)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: able
- Comparative: abler
- Superlative: ablest
Word family
Expressions
be able to
1/bˈi ˈeɪbəl tə/
fixed phrase
Have the ability to do something
To have the skill, strength, or time to do something.
Examples
- I will be able to meet you tomorrow.
- She wasn’t able to finish her homework before dinner.
better able to
2/bˈɛtɚ ˈeɪbəl tə/
fixed phrase
Have more ability than before/others
To have more skill or power than before, or compared to someone else.
Examples
- After the training, he is better able to handle customer complaints.
- This software makes us better able to track sales data.