Definition

1. Noun:
   • The mental or physical power, skill, or competence to do something: "Ability" refers to the possession of the qualities, especially mental or physical faculties, needed to perform an action or achieve a result.
   • A natural or acquired talent or proficiency: It can also denote a specific skill or aptitude that a person has, either innately or through learning.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • She has the ability to solve complex problems quickly.
  • His technical ability makes him an excellent engineer.
  • The test measures verbal and mathematical ability.

Advanced Usage

• "To the best of one's ability": as well as one can.
  • I will complete the task to the best of my ability.
• "Mixed-ability": involving students or participants with different levels of skill.
  • Teaching a mixed-ability class requires a flexible approach.

Variants and Related Words

• Able (adj): having the power, skill, or means to do something.
  • She is able to speak three languages.
• Unable (adj): not having the skill, strength, time, etc., to do something.
  • He was unable to attend the meeting.
• Disability (n): a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities.
  • The building has access ramps for people with disabilities.

Synonyms

• Capability: the power or ability to do something.
• Capacity: the ability or power to do, experience, or understand something.
• Competence: the ability to do something successfully or efficiently.
• Proficiency: a high degree of skill; expertise.

Antonyms

• Inability: the state of being unable to do something.
• Incompetence: inability to do something successfully; ineptitude.
• Disability: (in this specific contrasting sense) a condition that limits ability.

Related Phrases

• Learning ability: the capacity to acquire knowledge or skills.
  • Children have a remarkable learning ability.
• Athletic ability: skill in sports or physical exercises.
  • He is known for his great athletic ability.

Noun

1. possession of the qualities (especially mental qualities) required to do something or get something done
   • danger heightened his powers of discrimination
2. the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment