ability
The quality or state of being able; capacity to do or of doing something; having the necessary power.
Noun 4 meanings
The quality or state of being able; capacity to do or of doing something; having the necessary power.
“This phone has the ability to have its software upgraded wirelessly.”
The legal wherewithal to act.
Physical power.
A unique power of the mind; a faculty.
Etymology
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.
Similar and opposite words
ABILITY at a glance
ABILITY has 7 letters and scores 12 points in Scrabble (A 1 + B 3 + I 1 + L 1 + I 1 + T 1 + Y 4) and 13 in Words With Friends, before board bonuses. It ranks #1,117 by how often it appears in everyday English. It is valid in ENABLE, NWL2023, Collins/SOWPODS.
Rhymes with ability
All rhymes- CITY9
- UNIVERSITY16
- COMMUNITY18
- SECURITY13
- QUALITY19
- OPPORTUNITY18
- MAJORITY20
- REALITY10
- ACTIVITY16
- AUTHORITY15
- RESPONSIBILITY21
- CAPACITY17
One letter away
- AGILITY11
- ANILITY10
Keep going
Related lists
Looking for a different word?
Type the letters you have and the Finder shows every word that fits.