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Added 7 October 2026

ability

/əˈbɪl.ə.ti/ noun

In Latin: prudentia, calliditas, solertia First recorded: 1300 Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about ability at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Suitableness. .mw-parser-output .defdate{font-size:smaller}
The quality or state of being able; capacity to do or of doing something; having the necessary power.
This phone has the ability to have its software upgraded wirelessly.
The legal wherewithal to act.

Origin

First attested in the 1300s. From Middle English abilite (“suitability, aptitude, ability”), from Old French ableté, from Latin habilitās (“aptness, ability”), from habilis (“apt, fit, skillful, able”); equivalent to able + -ity.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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