ability
A1Neutral formal and informal; widely used across all registers.
Definition
Meaning
the power, skill, or capacity to do something.
A natural or acquired talent, aptitude, or proficiency in a particular area; often implies a potential that can be developed or demonstrated.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often conceptualized as a capacity or potential, not necessarily an action. Contrasts with 'skill', which implies a developed proficiency. Commonly used with a qualifying infinitive or prepositional phrase (ability to..., ability in...).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both BrE and AmE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[have/possess] the ability to [infinitive]ability in [noun/gerund]ability for [noun/gerund]of [adjective] abilityVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to the best of one's ability”
- “a mixed-ability class/group”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to an employee's or company's capacity to perform tasks, innovate, or generate profit (e.g., 'earning ability', 'managerial ability').
Academic
Used in psychology and education to discuss cognitive or learning capacities (e.g., 'verbal reasoning ability', 'academic ability').
Everyday
Commonly used to talk about practical skills or talents (e.g., 'cooking ability', 'ability to fix things').
Technical
In computing/engineering, denotes a system's functionality (e.g., 'the software's ability to process data').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He is unable to attend.
American English
- She was unable to make the payment.
adverb
British English
- He managed the project ably.
American English
- She ably demonstrated the new feature.
adjective
British English
- She is a highly able programmer.
American English
- He is abler than most at public speaking.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She has the ability to speak three languages.
- His reading ability is very good.
- The team demonstrated a remarkable ability to solve problems under pressure.
- He lost the ability to walk after the accident.
- The new manager's ability to motivate her staff has significantly improved morale.
- Critics questioned the government's ability to handle the economic crisis.
- His preternatural ability to recall minute details made him an invaluable witness.
- The policy's success hinges on our ability to garner cross-party support.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'I have the ABILITY to pay a BILL' – both contain 'bil'. Having the ability means you can handle the bill.
Conceptual Metaphor
ABILITY IS A CONTAINER (e.g., 'filled with ability'), A POSSESSION (e.g., 'have ability'), A PHYSICAL FORCE (e.g., 'show your ability').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'способ' (which means 'method/way').
- Do not confuse with 'умение' (skill) – 'ability' is broader, encompassing potential.
- The phrase 'способность к...' aligns well with 'ability in/for...'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'ability of doing' instead of 'ability to do' (e.g., *'his ability of solving problems' is incorrect).
- Using as a countable noun without a modifier (e.g., *'He has an ability' sounds odd; specify 'a great ability', 'an uncanny ability').
Practice
Quiz
Which preposition most commonly follows 'ability' when referring to a skill area?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Ability' is a broader, often innate, capacity to do something. 'Skill' is a learned proficiency, typically acquired through practice (e.g., 'He has a natural ability for music, but his piano skills need work').
It is usually uncountable when referring to the general concept ('He has great ability'). It becomes countable when referring to a specific type of talent ('She has several remarkable abilities').
No. The standard pattern is 'ability to do' something (e.g., 'the ability to swim'). 'Ability in' or 'ability for' can be followed by a noun ('ability in mathematics').
The related adjective is 'able'. The adverb is 'ably'. The negative adjective is 'unable' (lacking the ability).