capability

noun

ca·​pa·​bil·​i·​ty ˌkā-pə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce capability (audio)
plural capabilities
1
: the quality or state of being capable
also : ability
The mayor has demonstrated his capability to handle municipal problems.
2
: a feature or faculty capable of development : potentiality
This vacant urban district has great capabilities.
3
: the facility or potential for an indicated use or deployment
the capability of a metal to be fused
nuclear capability

Examples of capability in a Sentence

The device has the capability of recording two television channels at once. the nature of the tasks to which you are assigned will depend on your capabilities
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In recent years, Western policymakers have become particularly concerned about the capabilities of Russia and China to exploit the vulnerabilities of undersea cables. John Calabrese, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2025 Barber also said its completion marked a new level of repair capabilities for advanced stealth fighters. Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2025 China has also built out its supply chains for rare earths and other critical minerals, upgraded its manufacturing technology with AI and humanoid robots and ramped up its advanced technology capabilities, including semiconductors. Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 10 Apr. 2025 Provide real-time visibility, automation and predictive capabilities for supply chain management. Sudhanshu Duggal, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for capability

Word History

Etymology

see capable

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of capability was in 1587

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Capability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capability. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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