A1 noun Neutral #2,744 most common

ability

/əˈbɪl.ə.ti/

Ability is the physical or mental power or skill needed to do something. It describes what a person is capable of achieving through talent or training.

Examples

3 of 5
1

She has the ability to swim very fast.

She has the skill to swim at a high speed.

2

The candidate demonstrated a remarkable ability to solve complex problems.

The job applicant showed a great skill for finding solutions to difficult issues.

3

He's got a real ability for fixing things around the house.

He is very good at repairing household items.

Word Family

Noun
ability
Verb
enable
Adverb
ably
Adjective
able
Related
disability
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Memory Tip

Think of the word 'ABLE'. If you have the ABility, it means you are ABLE to do the task.

Quick Quiz

She has a great ______ to learn new languages quickly.

Correct!

The correct answer is: ability

Examples

1

She has the ability to swim very fast.

everyday

She has the skill to swim at a high speed.

2

The candidate demonstrated a remarkable ability to solve complex problems.

formal

The job applicant showed a great skill for finding solutions to difficult issues.

3

He's got a real ability for fixing things around the house.

informal

He is very good at repairing household items.

4

Cognitive ability often influences academic performance in young children.

academic

Mental capacity typically affects how well children do in school.

5

Leadership ability is a key requirement for this managerial role.

business

The skill to lead others is a necessary part of this management job.

Word Family

Noun
ability
Verb
enable
Adverb
ably
Adjective
able
Related
disability

Common Collocations

natural ability a skill that you are born with
reading ability the level of skill someone has in reading
to the best of my ability doing something as well as I possibly can
mental ability the power of the mind to think and learn
proven ability a skill that has been shown or tested before

Common Phrases

To the best of one's ability

Doing something with as much effort and skill as possible.

Mixed-ability

A group (like a classroom) where people have different levels of skill.

A man of many abilities

A person who is skilled at doing many different things.

Often Confused With

ability vs capability

Ability refers to a current skill, while capability often refers to the potential to develop a skill or do something in the future.

ability vs capacity

Capacity usually refers to the maximum amount someone can hold or produce, often used in a physical or volume sense.

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Usage Notes

The noun 'ability' is most commonly followed by the preposition 'to' and an infinitive verb (e.g., 'ability to speak').

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Common Mistakes

Learners often mistakenly say 'ability of doing' something; the correct grammar is 'ability to do' something.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'ABLE'. If you have the ABility, it means you are ABLE to do the task.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin word 'habilitas', meaning 'aptness' or 'fitness'.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun: can be singular (ability) or plural (abilities). Followed by 'to' + infinitive (e.g., 'ability to dance'). Followed by 'in' + noun (e.g., 'ability in music').
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Cultural Context

In many English-speaking educational systems, students are often placed in 'ability groups' based on their academic performance.

Quick Quiz

She has a great ______ to learn new languages quickly.

Correct!

The correct answer is: ability

More Education words

university

A1

A university is a high-level educational institution where students study for degrees and conduct academic research. It is a place people go after finishing secondary school to specialize in a specific subject.

classroom

A1

A classroom is a dedicated room in a school or college where students and teachers meet for lessons. It typically contains desks, chairs, and tools for learning like a whiteboard or computer.

science

A1

Science is the study of the natural world based on facts learned through experiments and observation. It is a subject taught in schools that helps us understand how the physical world and the universe work.

geography

A1

Geography is the study of the Earth's surface and its physical features like mountains, rivers, and oceans. It also looks at how people live in different parts of the world and how they interact with their environment.

literature

A1

Literature refers to written works such as novels, plays, and poems that are considered to be very good or important. It can also refer to printed information about a particular subject or business.

chemistry

A1

Chemistry is the branch of science that studies what things are made of and how they react with each other. It is also a common subject taught in schools and universities.

economics

A1

Economics is the study of how people, businesses, and countries use money and resources. It explains how things are made, bought, and sold in the world.

notebook

A1

A book with blank or lined pages used for writing notes, drawing, or keeping records. It is a common tool for students, artists, and professionals to organize their thoughts and information.

pencil

A1

A long, thin instrument used for writing or drawing, typically consisting of a thin stick of graphite enclosed in a wooden case. Unlike pens, marks made with this tool can be easily removed using an eraser.

pen

A1

A pen is a common handheld tool used for writing or drawing with ink on paper. It is a basic piece of stationery essential for education, office work, and personal record-keeping.

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