26984 words

ability

4 definitions • 12 examples
1
the physical or mental power or skill needed to do something:

Examples:

There's no doubting her ability.
[ + to infinitive ] She had the ability to explain things clearly and concisely.
She's a woman of considerable abilities.
I have children in my class of very mixed abilities (= different levels of skill or intelligence).
a mixed-ability class
2
used to form nouns from adjectives ending in "-able" to mean the quality of being the stated adjective:
3
the mental or physical power or skill needed to do something:

Examples:

[ U ] They should not be taking in somebody they don't have the ability to care for.
[ C ] Her teammates respect her abilities.
4
the power or skill needed to do something, or the fact that someone is able to do something:

Examples:

There's no doubting her ability.
the ability to do sth A good leader has the ability to motivate people.
We like our employees to have a broad range of abilities, not just good qualifications.

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