ability

Meaning

Noun

• Suitableness.
• The quality or state of being able; capacity to do or of doing something; having the necessary power.
• The legal wherewithal to act.
• Physical power.
• Financial ability.
• A unique power of the mind; a faculty.
• A skill or competence in doing; mental power; talent; aptitude.

Related

Similar words

• capacity, faculty, capability
• talent, cleverness, dexterity, aptitude
• capability, faculty, capacity, aptness, aptitude

Opposite words

• inability, unability
• disability

Origin

• First attested in the 1300s. From Middle English abilite ("suitability, aptitude, ability"), from Middle French habilite, from Old French ablete, from Latin habilitās ("aptness, ability"), from habilis; equivalent to able + -ity.