capable
adjective
ca·pa·ble ˈkā-pə-bəl 
in rapid speech ˈkāp-bəl
1
: susceptible
a remark capable of being misunderstood
2
obsolete : comprehensive
3
: having attributes (such as physical or mental power) required for performance or accomplishment
is capable of intense concentration
4
: having traits conducive to or features permitting something
this woman is capable of murder by violence
Robert Graves
Robert Graves5
: having legal right to own, enjoy, or perform
of my land … to make thee capable Shakespeare
Shakespeare6
: having or showing general efficiency and ability
a capable lawyer
a capable performance
capableness
ˈkā-pə-bəl-nəs
noun capably
ˈkā-pə-blē
adverb 
Synonyms
- able
- competent
- equal
- fit
- good
- qualified
- suitable
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
a capable and efficient editor
Recent Examples on the Web Despite some early struggles in Louisville's passing game, Florida State knows what Cunningham is capable of doing in the air. Alexis Cubit, The Courier-Journal, 15 Sep. 2022 The members of Crosby, Stills & Nash were capable of writing songs that captured the times. cleveland, 15 Sep. 2022 And sure, such interactions ramp up the immersive factor and show off what the tech is capable of. WIRED, 15 Sep. 2022 Bridget concludes that Hen is simply not capable of a genuine emotional interaction. Jessica Ferri, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2022 Russia’s submarine- and ship-mounted Kalibr cruise missiles have a range of up to about 1,550 miles and are capable of striking other ships and the Ukrainian mainland from the Black Sea. Jared Malsin, WSJ, 14 Sep. 2022 The mill features Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology and is capable of pumping out 395 hp and 406 ft lbs of torque. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 14 Sep. 2022 And human beings are capable of creating great bodies of work. Christine Lennon, Sunset Magazine, 14 Sep. 2022 The soft, balmy texture feels more like that of a really great moisturizer — that just so happens to be capable of removing waterproof makeup without the need for rubbing or tugging. Allure Editors, Allure, 13 Sep. 2022 See More
Alexis Cubit, The Courier-Journal, 15 Sep. 2022 The members of Crosby, Stills & Nash were capable of writing songs that captured the times. cleveland, 15 Sep. 2022 And sure, such interactions ramp up the immersive factor and show off what the tech is capable of. WIRED, 15 Sep. 2022 Bridget concludes that Hen is simply not capable of a genuine emotional interaction. Jessica Ferri, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2022 Russia’s submarine- and ship-mounted Kalibr cruise missiles have a range of up to about 1,550 miles and are capable of striking other ships and the Ukrainian mainland from the Black Sea. Jared Malsin, WSJ, 14 Sep. 2022 The mill features Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology and is capable of pumping out 395 hp and 406 ft lbs of torque. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 14 Sep. 2022 And human beings are capable of creating great bodies of work. Christine Lennon, Sunset Magazine, 14 Sep. 2022 The soft, balmy texture feels more like that of a really great moisturizer — that just so happens to be capable of removing waterproof makeup without the need for rubbing or tugging. Allure Editors, Allure, 13 Sep. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French capable, from Late Latin capabilis, irregular from Latin capere to take — more at heave entry 1
First Known Use
1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Kids Definition
capable
adjective
ca·pa·ble ˈkā-pə-bəl
1
: having the qualities or abilities that are needed to do or accomplish something
You are capable of better work.
2
: able to do something well
a capable actress
capableness
noun
as in ability
the physical or mental power to do something the very capableness of such a young child to commit a criminal act of any kind is questionable Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- ability
- capacity
- capability
- faculty
- aptitude
- competence
- competency
- talent
- skill
- equipment
- knack
- instinct
- gift
- facility
- reason
- endowment
- prowess
- dexterity
- understanding
- adroitness
- potency
- usefulness
- intelligence
- effectualness
- resources
- resourcefulness
- address
- aptness
- might
- influence
- fitness
- adequacy
- gray matter
- effectiveness
- deftness
- puissance
- means
- wherewithal
- hand
- ken
- stuff
- form
- staying power
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- disability
- incapacity
- inability
- incapability
- incompetence
- incompetency
- ineptitude
- deficiency
- incapableness
- impotence
- ineptness
- helplessness
- weakness
- paralysis
- powerlessness
- inadequacy
- defectiveness
- impairment
- inefficacy
- ineffectuality
- uselessness
- ineffectiveness
- ineffectualness
- inadequateness
- disablement
- incapacitation
- debilitation
- inefficaciousness