ability

Noun

UK: /əˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/

US: /əˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/


Definition

Ability means having the skill or power to do something. It’s what you can do well.

Ability means what you can do. It’s like a special skill or something you are good at.

Ability refers to the power, skill, or competence to do something effectively. It can be innate or acquired through practice and experience.

Examples and Usage

▶️ Skills or Talents

Example: She has the ability to draw pretty pictures.

  • Explanation: In this sentence, "ability" means she can draw nice pictures because she is good at it.

Example: He has the ability to run very fast.

  • Explanation: Here, "ability" means he can run quickly because he is good at running.

Example: She has the ability to draw very well.

  • Explanation: In this sentence, "ability" means she can draw well because she has the skill.

Example: He has the ability to solve puzzles quickly.

  • Explanation: Here, "ability" means he can solve puzzles quickly because he is good at it.

▶️ Skills or Competence

Example: She has the ability to manage large teams efficiently.

  • Explanation: In this sentence, "ability" means she possesses the skill to handle the complexities of managing large groups of people effectively.

Example: His ability to learn new languages quickly is impressive.

  • Explanation: Here, "ability" means he has a remarkable skill for picking up new languages rapidly.

How to Use "Ability"

When talking about what someone can do well:

☑️Example: The dog has the ability to fetch the ball.

  • Subject: The dog
  • Predicate: has the ability to fetch the ball
    • "ability" (noun meaning skill)
    • "to fetch the ball" (phrase explaining what the ability is)

☑️Example: She has the ability to sing songs.

  • Subject: She
  • Predicate: has the ability to sing songs
    • "ability" (noun meaning talent)
    • "to sing songs" (phrase explaining what the ability is)

☑️Example: The dog has the ability to do tricks like rolling over.

  • Subject: The dog
  • Predicate: has the ability to do tricks like rolling over
    • "ability" (noun meaning skill)
    • "to do tricks" (phrase explaining what the ability is)

☑️Example: She has the ability to sing beautifully.

  • Subject: She
  • Predicate: has the ability to sing beautifully
    • "ability" (noun meaning talent)
    • "to sing beautifully" (phrase explaining what the ability is)

Detailed Usage

When discussing competence or skill in a specific area:

☑️Example: The engineer's ability to solve complex problems is highly valued by the company.

  • Subject: The engineer's ability
  • Predicate: to solve complex problems is highly valued by the company
    • "ability" (noun meaning competence)
    • "to solve complex problems" (phrase explaining what the ability is)

☑️Example: Her ability to empathize with others makes her an excellent counselor.

  • Subject: Her ability
  • Predicate: to empathize with others makes her an excellent counselor
    • "ability" (noun meaning skill)
    • "to empathize with others" (phrase explaining what the ability is)

More Examples

☑️Example: He has the ability to run very fast.

  • Explanation: He can run quickly because he has the skill.

☑️Example: She has the ability to bake yummy cookies.

  • Explanation: She can bake delicious cookies because she is good at it.

☑️Example: He has demonstrated an exceptional ability to lead projects to successful completion.

  • Explanation: He has shown a high level of skill in managing and completing projects effectively.

☑️Example: The surgeon's ability to perform delicate procedures with precision is well-known.

  • Explanation: The surgeon is known for his skill and competence in handling intricate surgeries.

☑️Example: Her ability to communicate complex ideas clearly is a great asset to the team.

  • Explanation: She is highly skilled at explaining complicated concepts in an understandable way, which benefits the team.

☑️Example: He has the ability to build tall towers with blocks.

  • Explanation: He can make tall towers with blocks because he is good at it.

☑️Example: She has the ability to play the piano.

  • Explanation: She can play the piano well because she has the skill.

Contextual Notes

"Ability" is a versatile term used in various contexts, including professional, personal, and academic settings. It emphasizes the capability to perform tasks or activities effectively, whether through innate talent or acquired skills.


Synonyms & Similar Words


Antonyms & Near Antonyms