capacity
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 5We 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.
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.
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
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
We had a capacity crowd at the local theater for the opening night of the play.
everydayWe had a capacity crowd at the local theater for the opening night of the play.
The official report stated that the prison was operating at capacity levels for the entire fiscal year.
formalThe official report stated that the prison was operating at capacity levels for the entire fiscal year.
I'm at capacity right now with chores, so I can't really help you with your homework.
informalI'm at capacity right now with chores, so I can't really help you with your homework.
The research focuses on the capacity volume of carbon sequestration in deep-sea basalt formations.
academicThe research focuses on the capacity volume of carbon sequestration in deep-sea basalt formations.
Due to the surge in orders, our manufacturing plant is running at capacity output.
businessDue to the surge in orders, our manufacturing plant is running at capacity output.
Word Family
Common Collocations
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 refers to the volume or amount something can hold, whereas capability refers to the skills or abilities of a person or system.
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.
Common Mistakes
Learners often say 'the room is capacity' instead of 'the room is at capacity' or 'it is a capacity room.'
Memory Tip
Think of a bottle's 'cap.' The 'capacity' is everything you can fit inside before you have to put the 'cap' on.
Word Origin
From the Latin 'capacitas', meaning 'ability to hold much,' derived from 'capere' (to take or hold).
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
The concert was so popular that it played to a _______ crowd of 20,000 fans.
Correct!
The correct answer is: capacity
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
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