B2 adjective Neutral

capacity

/kəˈpæsəti/

Describes a space, container, or system that has reached its maximum possible limit of volume or production. As an adjective, it specifically refers to a venue being completely full or a facility operating at its peak level.

Examples

3 of 5
1

We had a capacity crowd at the local theater for the opening night of the play.

We had a capacity crowd at the local theater for the opening night of the play.

2

The official report stated that the prison was operating at capacity levels for the entire fiscal year.

The official report stated that the prison was operating at capacity levels for the entire fiscal year.

3

I'm at capacity right now with chores, so I can't really help you with your homework.

I'm at capacity right now with chores, so I can't really help you with your homework.

Word Family

Noun
capacity
Verb
capacitate
Adjective
capacious
Related
capacitor
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Memory Tip

Think of a bottle's 'cap.' The 'capacity' is everything you can fit inside before you have to put the 'cap' on.

Quick Quiz

The concert was so popular that it played to a _______ crowd of 20,000 fans.

Correct!

The correct answer is: capacity

Examples

1

We had a capacity crowd at the local theater for the opening night of the play.

everyday

We had a capacity crowd at the local theater for the opening night of the play.

2

The official report stated that the prison was operating at capacity levels for the entire fiscal year.

formal

The official report stated that the prison was operating at capacity levels for the entire fiscal year.

3

I'm at capacity right now with chores, so I can't really help you with your homework.

informal

I'm at capacity right now with chores, so I can't really help you with your homework.

4

The research focuses on the capacity volume of carbon sequestration in deep-sea basalt formations.

academic

The research focuses on the capacity volume of carbon sequestration in deep-sea basalt formations.

5

Due to the surge in orders, our manufacturing plant is running at capacity output.

business

Due to the surge in orders, our manufacturing plant is running at capacity output.

Word Family

Noun
capacity
Verb
capacitate
Adjective
capacious
Related
capacitor

Common Collocations

capacity crowd a crowd that fills a venue to its limit
capacity audience an audience that fills all available seats
at full capacity working or filled as much as possible
capacity seating the total number of seats available
rated capacity the maximum amount a machine is designed to handle

Common Phrases

filled to capacity

completely full with no room left

running at capacity

operating at the maximum possible speed or volume

excess capacity

the ability to produce more than is currently needed

Often Confused With

capacity vs capability

Capacity refers to the volume or amount something can hold, whereas capability refers to the skills or abilities of a person or system.

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Usage Notes

When used as an adjective, 'capacity' almost always precedes a noun like 'crowd', 'audience', or 'output'. It indicates that the maximum limit has been reached.

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Common Mistakes

Learners often say 'the room is capacity' instead of 'the room is at capacity' or 'it is a capacity room.'

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Memory Tip

Think of a bottle's 'cap.' The 'capacity' is everything you can fit inside before you have to put the 'cap' on.

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Word Origin

From the Latin 'capacitas', meaning 'ability to hold much,' derived from 'capere' (to take or hold).

Grammar Patterns

Used as an attributive adjective before nouns Commonly used in the prepositional phrase 'at capacity' Non-gradable (something is usually either at capacity or not)

Quick Quiz

The concert was so popular that it played to a _______ crowd of 20,000 fans.

Correct!

The correct answer is: capacity

Related Words

blacklist

B2

To put a person, organization, or country on a list of those who are considered unacceptable and should be avoided or excluded from certain activities or privileges. It is often used to describe the denial of employment, trade, or participation based on previous behavior or reputation.

blackmailer

B2

A person who demands money, favors, or specific actions from someone by threatening to reveal damaging secrets or private information about them. It refers to an individual who practices extortion through psychological or reputational leverage.

blackout

B2

A blackout refers to a temporary loss of electrical power over an area or a sudden failure of memory or consciousness in an individual. It can also describe a period of censorship where information or news is intentionally suppressed by an authority.

blackthorn

B2

A thorny deciduous shrub or small tree of the rose family, native to Europe and western Asia, which produces white flowers in early spring and small, bitter, dark blue fruits known as sloes. It is frequently used for creating dense, prickly hedges and is well-known for providing the wood used in traditional Irish walking sticks.

bladder

B2

To swell, puff out, or expand like a balloon, often used in technical contexts to describe membranes filling with air or liquid. Informally, it can also refer to talking at length without much substance or meaning.

blame

B2

To consider or state that someone or something is responsible for a mistake, failure, or negative situation. It involves attributing the cause of a problem to a specific person, group, or factor.

blameless

B2

Describes someone who has done nothing wrong and cannot be held responsible for a bad situation or mistake. It is often used to emphasize a person's innocence or their morally upright character.

blameworthy

B2

Deserving of blame, criticism, or censure because of wrong or negligent behavior. It is often used to describe actions or individuals that are morally or legally responsible for a negative outcome.

blandness

B2

Blandness refers to the quality of being uninteresting, dull, or lacking in strong features and characteristics. In a culinary context, it describes food that lacks flavor or seasoning, while in a general context, it describes things that are mediocre or devoid of personality.

blank

B2

Describes a surface that has no writing, images, or marks on it, or a state of mind where one cannot remember or think of anything. It is frequently used to describe paper, screens, or facial expressions that lack emotion or understanding.

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