Definitions for ability
əˈbɪl ɪ tiabil·i·ty

Princeton's WordNet(3.86 / 13 votes)Rate this definition:

1. ability(noun)

   the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment

2. ability, power(noun)

   possession of the qualities (especially mental qualities) required to do something or get something done

   "danger heightened his powers of discrimination"

Wiktionary(3.60 / 10 votes)Rate this definition:

1. ability(Noun)

   The quality or state of being able.

   Etymology: * First attested from before 1398.

2. ability(Noun)

   A skill or competence in doing.

   Etymology: * First attested from before 1398.

3. ability(Noun)

   A high level of skill or competence.

   Etymology: * First attested from before 1398.

4. ability(Noun)

   Physical, mental or legal power to perform.

   Etymology: * First attested from before 1398.

5. ability(Noun)

   Aptitude.

   Etymology: * First attested from before 1398.

Webster Dictionary(5.00 / 1 vote)Rate this definition:

1. Ability(noun)

   the quality or state of being able; power to perform, whether physical, moral, intellectual, conventional, or legal; capacity; skill or competence in doing; sufficiency of strength, skill, resources, etc.; -- in the plural, faculty, talent

Chambers 20th Century Dictionary(5.00 / 1 vote)Rate this definition:

1. Ability

   a-bil′i-ti, n. quality of being able: power: strength: skill.—n.pl. Abil′ities, the powers of the mind. [O. Fr. ableté (Fr. habileté)—L. habilitas—habilis, easily handled, from habēre, to have, hold. See Able.]

Editors Contribution(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

1. ability

   The feeling, understanding, power and knowing of being able.

   We are all able to do various tasks in life.

   Submitted by MaryC on January 25, 2020  

2. ability

   The quality of being able.

   She was ableto do anything her heart desires.

   Submitted by MaryC on January 15, 2020  

British National Corpus

1. Spoken Corpus Frequency

   Rank popularity for the word 'ability' in Spoken Corpus Frequency: #1104

2. Written Corpus Frequency

   Rank popularity for the word 'ability' in Written Corpus Frequency: #1688

3. Nouns Frequency

   Rank popularity for the word 'ability' in Nouns Frequency: #422

How to pronounce ability?

1. 

   Alex

   US English

   

   Daniel

   British

   

   Karen

   Australian

   

   Veena

   Indian

How to say ability in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of ability in Chaldean Numerology is: 4

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of ability in Pythagorean Numerology is: 6

Examples of ability in a Sentence

1. Jennifer Bazante:

   We're just trying to inspire the next person -- doesn't matter what their age or their ability is -- to start living a healthy lifestyle, we wanted to celebrate these incredible people in a new way this year that showcased not only their competitive spirit, but also depicts the whole person.

2. Andrew Carnegie:

   The man who acquires the ability to take full possession of his own mind may take possession of anything else to which he is justly entitled.

3. Michael Gove:

   We are going to leave by October 31, we have the means and the ability to do so, that letter was sent because parliament required it to be sent (..) but parliament can't change the prime minister's mind, parliament can't change the government's policy or determination.

4. John Lewis:

   If we are into tougher times, it's our model, our ability to do things that are counter cyclical and possibly even counter intuitive that will see us through.

5. Lou Holtz:

   Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.

Images & Illustrations of ability

Popularity rank by frequency of use