abil·i·ty
ə-ˈbi-lə-tē 
plural abilities
1
a
: the quality or state of being able
the ability of the soil to hold water
especially
: physical, mental, or legal power to do something
a writer's ability to engage the reader's interest
did the work to the best of her ability [=as well as she could]
b
: competence in doing something : skill
artistic abilities
c
: a person's status with regard to having a disability
—used especially in legal and official statements
These guidelines not only help make web content accessible to users with sensory, cognitive and mobility disabilities, but ultimately to all users, regardless of ability.—
whitehouse.gov
whitehouse.gov2
: natural aptitude or acquired proficiency
students with different abilities
variants
or less commonly -ibility
: capacity, fitness, or tendency to act or be acted on in a (specified) way
agglutinability
Examples of ability in a Sentence
Noun
a young woman with many remarkable musical abilities
a young woman of great musical ability
She has shown some ability with foreign languages.
Recent Examples on the Web
Elizabeth D. Samet, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
This includes giving the car the ability to break those rear tires loose—much like a Shelby Mustang by way of Modena.
—Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 29 Oct. 2025
Hirschhorn wrote that Beijing’s surveillance abilities were nothing compared to the half-million surveillance cameras blanketing London.
—Byron Tau, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2025
Since the inaugural event in 2023, TBFE has raised over $250,000 for local charities while giving opportunities to models of all shapes, sizes, complexions, and abilities to walk runways, not just in Tampa, but at New York Fashion Week and Miami Swim Week.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ability
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Noun
The story has gained ascendancy as a vehicle for understanding the world while the ability to interpret narrative has atrophied.
—Elizabeth D. Samet, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
This includes giving the car the ability to break those rear tires loose—much like a Shelby Mustang by way of Modena.
—Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 29 Oct. 2025
Hirschhorn wrote that Beijing’s surveillance abilities were nothing compared to the half-million surveillance cameras blanketing London.
—Byron Tau, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2025
Since the inaugural event in 2023, TBFE has raised over $250,000 for local charities while giving opportunities to models of all shapes, sizes, complexions, and abilities to walk runways, not just in Tampa, but at New York Fashion Week and Miami Swim Week.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ability
Cite this Entry
“Ability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ability. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ability
1 of 2 noun
abil·i·ty
ə-ˈbil-ət-ē
plural abilities
1
a
: the quality or state of being able : power to do something
b
: competence in doing : skill
2
: natural or learned skill
-ability
2 of 2 noun suffix
-abil·i·ty
variants
also -ibility
ə-ˈbil-ət-ē
plural -ties
: ability, fitness, or likeliness to act or be acted on in (such) a way
readability
Etymology
Noun suffix
derived from Latin -abilitas, -ibilitas "-ability"
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