capability
[key-p
uh
-
bil
-i-tee]
/ˌkeɪ pəˈbɪl ɪ ti/
noun
,
plural
capabilities.
1.
the quality of being
capable
; capacity; ability:
His capability was unquestionable.
2.
the ability to undergo or be affected by a given treatment or action:
the capability of glass in resisting heat.
3.
Usually,
capabilities
. qualities, abilities, features, etc., that can be used or developed; potential:
Though dilapidated, the house has great capabilities.
Origin
1580-90;
(<
Middle French
capabilité
) <
Late Latin
capābili
(
s
)
capable
+
-ty
2
Related forms
overcapability,
noun,
plural
overcapabilities.
supercapability,
noun,
plural
supercapabilities.
Examples from the web for
capabilities
Underestimating your enemies ability and overestimating your own
capabilities
usually leads to disaster and defeat.
Beyond these speculations, however, open source materials do not reflect a consensus over technical
capabilities
and performance.
Chrome's mobile browser is as speedy as its desktop counterpart, but incorporates syncing
capabilities
too.
The rosy periwinkle is an ordinary plant with extraordinary
capabilities
.
Familiarize yourself with your printer's
capabilities
and options.
Each of these systems has different
capabilities
and limitations.
Ants are common insects, but they have some unique
capabilities
.
Ask them to illustrate their timelines with sketches of the vehicles and descriptions of their
capabilities
and limitations.
Ascertain your water heater's
capabilities
, and check that the temperature isn't set higher than necessary.
They are a close relative of the great white shark and one of the few sharks with warm-blooded
capabilities
.
British Dictionary definitions for
capabilities
capability
/
ˌkeɪpəˈbɪlɪtɪ
/
noun
(
pl
)
-ties
1.
the quality of being capable; ability
2.
the quality of being susceptible to the use or treatment indicated:
the capability of a metal to be fused
3.
(
usually pl
) a characteristic that may be developed; potential aptitude
Word Origin and History for
capabilities
capability
n.
1580s, from
capable
+
-ity
.
Capabilities
"undeveloped faculty or property" is attested from 1778.