ability
noun/əˈbɪləti/
/əˈbɪləti/
(plural abilities)
Word Family
- able adjective (≠ unable)
- ably adverb
- ability noun (≠ inability)
- disabled adjective
- [singular] ability to do something the fact that somebody/something is able to do something
- People with the disease may lose their ability to communicate.
- This program has the ability to adapt to its user.
- Students must demonstrate the ability to understand simple texts.
- She has an uncanny ability to predict what consumers will want.
- A gentle form of exercise will increase your ability to relax.
Extra Examples- I seem to have lost my ability to attract clients.
- He has this innate ability to see beyond the range of most people.
- The system has the ability to run more than one program at the same time.
- Everyone has the right to good medical care regardless of their ability to pay.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- exceptional
- extraordinary
- great
- …
- level
- have
- possess
- retain
- …
- ability in
- to the best of your ability
- [uncountable, countable] a level of skill or intelligence
- Their athletic ability is stunning.
- cognitive/intellectual/mental ability
- A woman of her ability will easily find a job.
- Are you used to teaching students of mixed abilities?
- It's important to discover the natural abilities of each child.
- I try to do my job to the best of my ability (= as well as I can).
Extra Examples- Fox's abilities were soon recognized.
- He was a man of extraordinary abilities.
- I taught a wide range of abilities.
- It is much more difficult to teach a mixed-ability class.
- She showed a high level of ability as a runner.
- She showed great ability in mathematics.
- The school does nothing for children of high ability.
- There was a high level of ability among the school leavers.
- We will keep you informed to the best of our ability.
- Almost everyone has some musical ability.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- high
- limited
- low
- …
- assess
- measure
- test
- …
- level
- range
- a range of ability
- a range of abilities
Word Originlate Middle English: from Old French ablete, from Latin habilitas, from habilis ‘able’.
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ability