noun · neutral
ability
/əˈbɪlɪti/a·BIL·i·ty
the power or skill to do something; a general or specific competence
Examples
“In the speaking test, candidates must show the ability to explain ideas clearly.”
“She has an amazing ability to learn new words quickly.”
“Teachers should help students develop the ability to think critically.”
Band 8 sentence
“A successful university applicant must demonstrate not only academic knowledge but also the ability to apply that knowledge in unfamiliar situations.”
Collocations
- have the ability to + verb
- demonstrate/show ability
- academic ability
Word family
Common mistakes
ability do→ability to do
many ability→many abilities / a lot of ability
I can show my ability→I can show my ability to + verb (e.g. I can show my ability to learn quickly)
Say it for a higher band
5can→6skill→7+ability
Synonyms
capability
skill
Easily confused
capability
“The software's capability to analyse large datasets impressed the researchers.”
Related words
Learn this word with the rest of its set, and get reminded at the right time.
In -ity
Learn it with its set