Etimology
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.
noun
ability (countable and uncountable, plural abilities)
(obsolete) Suitableness. [Attested from around (1350 to 1470) until the late 17th century.]
(uncountable) The quality or state of being able; capacity to do or of doing something; having the necessary power. [First attested from around (1350 to 1470).]
The legal wherewithal to act. [First attested in the mid 17th century.]
(now limited to Scotland dialects) Physical power. [First attested from around (1350 to 1470).]
(archaic) Financial ability. [First attested in the early 16th century.]
(uncountable) A unique power of the mind; a faculty. [First attested in the late 16th century.]
(countable) A skill or competence in doing; mental power; talent; aptitude. [First attested in the early 17th century.]
Examples
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.
They are persons of ability, who will go far in life.
She has an uncanny ability to defuse conflict.
a mixed-ability class
Then the disciples, euery man according to his abilitie, determined to send reliefe vnto the brethren which dwelt in Iudea.
The public men of England, with much of a peculiar kind of ability
Natural abilities are like natural plants, that need pruning by study -
The most persistent tormentor was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who scored a hat-trick in last month’s corresponding fixture in Iceland. His ability to run at defences is instantly striking, but it is his clever use of possession that has persuaded some shrewd judges that he is an even better prospect than Theo Walcott.
Related words
synonyms
(quality or state of being able): capacity, faculty, capability
(a skill or competence): See Thesaurus:skill
(high level of skill or capability): talent, cleverness, dexterity, aptitude
(suitability or receptiveness to be acted upon): capability, faculty, capacity, aptness, aptitude
antonyms
inability, unability
disability
related terms
able