ability

plural abilities · alternative obsolete abilitie · alternative obsolete hability · alternative obsolete habilitie

1. countableobsoleteuncountableSuitableness.First known use Attested from around (1350 to 1470) until the late 17ᵗʰ century.
2. uncountableThe quality or state of being able; capacity to do or of doing something; having the necessary power.First known use First attested from around (1350 to 1470).

   This phone has the ability to have its software upgraded wirelessly.

   2 more examples

   This wood has the ability to fight off insects, fungus, and mold for a considerable time.

   Imagine a country where children do nothing but play until they start compulsory schooling at age seven. Then, without exception, they attend comprehensives until the age of 16. Charging school fees is illegal, and so is sorting pupils into ability groups by streaming or setting.

   2013 July 19, Peter Wilby, “Finland spreads word on schools”, in The Guardian Weekly, volume 189, number 6, page 30

   Synonyms: capacity, faculty, capability, talent, cleverness, dexterity, aptitude, capability

3. countableuncountableThe legal wherewithal to act.First known use First attested in the mid 17ᵗʰ century.

   The ability to shift profits to low-tax countries by locating intellectual property in them, which is then licensed to related businesses in high-tax countries, is often assumed to be the preserve of high-tech companies.

   2013 June 22, “T time”, in The Economist, volume 407, number 8841, page 68

4. countableuncountablenow limited to Scotland dialectsPhysical power.First known use First attested from around (1350 to 1470).
5. archaiccountableuncountableFinancial ability.First known use First attested in the early 16ᵗʰ century.
6. uncountableA unique power of the mind; a faculty.First known use First attested in the late 16ᵗʰ century.
7. countableA skill or competence in doing; mental power; talent; aptitude.First known use First attested in the early 17ᵗʰ century.

   a mixed-ability class

   5 more examples

   They are persons of ability, who will go far in life.

   She has an uncanny ability to defuse conflict.

   Then the disciples, euery man according to his abilitie, determined to send reliefe vnto the brethren which dwelt in Iudea.

   1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Acts 11:29

   The public men of England, with much of a peculiar kind of ability

   1848, Thomas Macaulay, The History of England from the Accession of James II

   Natural abilities are like natural plants, that need pruning by study -

   1884, Francis Bacon, Of Studies

   Synonyms: skill