abilitynoun [ C or U ]
uk/əˈbɪl.ə.ti/us/əˈbɪl.ə.t̬i/B1 the physical or mental power or skill needed to do something:
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
More examples
- He had no doubts about his team's ability to reach the World Cup finals.
- Computer literacy is now as essential as the ability to drive a car.
- Organizational ability is essential in a good manager.
- Man's ability to talk makes him unlike any other animal.
- All the children are taught together in one class, regardless of their ability.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Skill, talent and ability
- a magic touch idiom
- accomplishment
- accuracy
- acumen
- adroit
- capability
- command
- dash
- ear
- expertise
- facility
- faculty
- finesse
- flair
- nose
- polish
- proficient
- prowess
- pyrotechnics
- qualification
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