ability
/əˈbɪl.ə.ti/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: abilities
Sense 1
Meaning · English
The quality or state of being able; capacity to do or of doing something; having the necessary power.
Noun
Examples
This phone has the ability to have its software upgraded wirelessly.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
The legal wherewithal to act.
Noun
Examples
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.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “ability” mean?
The quality or state of being able; capacity to do or of doing something; having the necessary power.
Is “ability” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.