capability
HighFormal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
The power or ability to do something.
A feature or facility capable of being developed or used; a talent or quality with potential for a specific use.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used to describe inherent potential or developed competence. Implies a degree of power or skill. Differs from 'capacity' which can refer to maximum potential or volume.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical in both varieties. Slight preference for 'capability' in UK military/defence contexts.
Connotations
Neutral to technical; suggests measurable or demonstrable ability.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English overall.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
capability of doing somethingcapability to do somethingcapability for somethingcapability in somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “beyond one's capability”
- “within one's capability”
- “a hidden capability”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to an organisation's skills, resources, or technological advantages. 'The company is investing in new manufacturing capabilities.'
Academic
Used to discuss cognitive, technical, or research potential. 'The study assessed the child's linguistic capabilities.'
Everyday
Talents or skills of a person. 'She has a real capability for organising events.'
Technical
Specific functions or performance parameters of a system. 'The software's encryption capability is state-of-the-art.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The new engine is capable of immense power.
- The team proved capable of handling the crisis.
American English
- The software is capable of processing huge datasets.
- She is highly capable and gets things done.
adverb
British English
- She performed the task capably.
- He dealt with the complaint very capably.
American English
- He managed the budget capably.
- The system functioned capably under stress.
adjective
British English
- She is a capable manager.
- We need a capable person for this technical role.
American English
- He's a very capable engineer.
- They hired a capable team to lead the project.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He has the capability to learn quickly.
- My phone has a good camera capability.
- The company wants to improve its manufacturing capability.
- She has demonstrated a real capability for leadership.
- The new regulations will test the bank's compliance capabilities.
- Beyond his technical capability, he possesses excellent interpersonal skills.
- The strategic review highlighted a critical gap in our defensive capabilities.
- Her research pushes the very boundaries of human cognitive capability.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CAP' (like a container) + 'ABILITY' = the container of your abilities. What are you capable of holding?
Conceptual Metaphor
ABILITY IS A CONTAINER (unleash capabilities, filled with capability), ABILITY IS A TOOL (deploy capabilities).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation with 'способность', which is broader. 'Capability' often implies a more specific, developed, or practical skill set. 'Возможность' is more 'possibility/opportunity'.
- Don't confuse 'capability' (skill/potential) with 'capacity' (volume/maximum potential).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect preposition: 'capability of doing' (correct) vs. 'capability for doing' (less common). 'Capability to do' is also correct.
- Plural overuse: 'capabilities' is very common when referring to a set of skills. 'His capabilities include...'
- Confusion with 'capacity': 'The hall has a seating capacity of 500' (not capability).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'capability' INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Ability' is a more general term for skill or talent. 'Capability' often implies a specific, developed, or inherent power or potential for a particular task or function. 'Capability' can sound slightly more formal or technical.
Both are correct and commonly used. 'Capability of doing' is perhaps slightly more formal. 'Capability to do' is also perfectly acceptable.
Use the plural when referring to a set of skills, resources, or functions. For example: 'The job requires strong technical capabilities.' or 'The country's military capabilities are advanced.' Use the singular for a more abstract, general power or potential.
Yes, very commonly. It is frequently used in technology, engineering, and business contexts to describe what a system or device is able to do (e.g., 'processing capability', 'storage capability', 'defence capability').