Ability Meaning
/əˈbɪl.ə.ti/Definition, CEFR level A2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounSuitableness.
nounThe quality or state of being able; capacity to do or of doing something; having the necessary power.
Sentence Examples
Blind people sometimes develop a compensatory ability to sense the proximity of objects around them.
You will be paid according to your ability.
People with the disease may lose their ability to communicate.
CEFR Practice Quiz
Her natural ____ to solve complex puzzles amazed everyone in the competition.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
She has the ____ to solve complex math problems quickly.
Word Origin & History
First attested in the 1300s. From Middle English abilite (“suitability, aptitude, ability”), from Old French ableté, from Latin habilitās (“aptness, ability”), from habilis (“apt, fit, skillful, able”); equivalent to able + -ity.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Imagine a country where children do nothing but play until they start compulsory schooling at age seven. Then, without exception, they attend comprehensives until the age of 16. Charging school fees is illegal, and so is sorting pupils into ability groups by streaming or setting."
— 2013 July 19, Peter Wilby, “Finland spreads word on schools”, in The Guardian Weekly, volume 189, number 6, page 30:
"The ability to shift profits to low-tax countries by locating intellectual property in them, which is then licensed to related businesses in high-tax countries, is often assumed to be the preserve of high-tech companies."
— 2013 June 22, “T time”, in The Economist, volume 407, number 8841, page 68:
"Then the disciples, euery man according to his abilitie, determined to send reliefe vnto the brethren which dwelt in Iudea."
— 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Acts 11:29:
"The public men of England, with much of a peculiar kind of ability"
— 1848, Thomas Macaulay, The History of England from the Accession of James II:
"Natural abilities are like natural plants, that need pruning by study -"
— 1884, Francis Bacon, Of Studies:
Explore More A2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Her natural ____ to solve complex puzzles amazed everyone in the competition.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
She has the ____ to solve complex math problems quickly.