Noun B1 — Intermediate /əˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/

Ability — Definition, Examples & Pronunciation

The power or capacity to do something — a quality that opens doors.

Quick Definition

An ability is the physical or mental skill, power, or capacity to do something. It can refer to a talent you are born with or a skill you have developed through practice.

What Does Ability Mean?

Ability comes from the Latin habilitas meaning "aptitude" or "fitness". In modern English it describes the quality of being capable of doing something — whether that is riding a bicycle, speaking a foreign language, or solving a complex maths problem.

The word is extremely common in everyday English, appearing in job descriptions ("strong communication ability"), school reports ("reading ability"), and motivational contexts ("believe in your own ability"). Understanding how to use ability correctly will immediately improve the naturalness of your English writing and speaking.

Note the difference between ability (a natural or learned skill you possess right now) and capability (the potential to do something under the right conditions). Also contrast with skill, which implies a technique developed through practice, and talent, which often suggests a natural gift rather than a learned one.

Example Sentences

SentenceUsage note
She has the ability to stay calm under pressure.ability as subject complement
His musical ability was obvious from an early age.ability as possessed quality
The new software improves your ability to work remotely.ability + infinitive

Synonyms

skillcapabilitycapacitytalentaptitudecompetenceproficiency

Antonyms

inabilityincapacityincompetenceweakness

Common Mistakes

Watch Out For

She has the ability of speaking three languages.

She has the ability to speak three languages. (ability + infinitive, not gerund)

Related Vocabulary

All Common Words → Grammar Glossary Vocabulary Hub Flash Cards

Practise This Word

Flash Cards Complete the Sentence Vocabulary Quiz Hangman

Frequently Asked Questions about “ability”

What is the meaning of ability?
Ability means the physical, mental, or learned power to do something. It can describe a natural talent ('musical ability') or a skill you have developed ('the ability to code'). It is usually followed by an infinitive: 'the ability to do something'.
What is the difference between ability and skill?
Ability is the general power or capacity to do something and can be innate or learned. Skill refers specifically to a technique that has been developed through practice and repetition. You might have a natural ability for music, but your piano skill improves only through regular practice.
Is ability countable or uncountable?
Ability is countable when referring to specific skills: 'She has many abilities.' It is uncountable when referring to capacity in general: 'a person of great ability'. Both uses are correct — the context determines which form to use.
How do you use ability in a sentence?
Use ability followed by a to-infinitive: 'He has the ability to learn quickly.' You can also use it after possessive pronouns: 'Trust in your own ability.' Avoid using ability with a gerund (ability of doing) — that is a common ESL error.
What is the adjective form of ability?
The adjective form is 'able': an able student, an able speaker. The opposite is 'unable' or 'incapable'. The adverb is 'ably': She performed ably under difficult conditions.
What is the difference between ability and capability?
Ability refers to what you can do right now. Capability refers to potential — what you could do given the right conditions or development. A child may have the capability to become a great athlete even if their current ability is limited.
Can ability be used as a plural?
Yes. 'Abilities' refers to multiple specific skills: 'Students are assessed on their reading and writing abilities.' The plural emphasises the variety of different skills rather than a general capacity.
What is mixed ability in English teaching?
Mixed ability describes a classroom where learners have a wide range of different skill levels. Teachers use differentiation strategies to challenge stronger students while supporting those who need more help. It is one of the most common challenges in ESL teaching.
What is the origin of the word ability?
Ability comes from Latin 'habilitas' (fitness, aptitude) via Old French 'abilite'. It entered English in the 15th century. The root 'habilis' also gives us 'able', 'habilitate', and the suffix '-ability' seen in words like 'readability' and 'portability'.
How can I practise using ability in English?
Try LexFizz's Complete the Sentence exercise to practise ability in context, or use the Flash Cards tool to test vocabulary including ability and its related forms (able, ably, unable, abilities). Reading academic or professional texts is also an excellent way to see ability used naturally.