abilities

IPA/ɐbˈɪlətiz/
KK[əbˈɪlətˌiz]IPA/əbˈɪlətˌiːz/

abilities — noun

1. the natural or learned powers that let a person do something well, such as playi

1.nounA2
Definition

the natural or learned powers that let a person do something well, such as playing an instrument, solving problems, or leading a group

Example

Lin's musical abilities became clear when she played the piano at age four.

collocation: musical abilities / artistic abilities / athletic abilities

The manager values Sofia's organizational abilities and often asks her to plan team events.

Common collocations
  • have abilities
  • develop abilities
  • demonstrate / show abilities
  • use abilities
  • test / assess abilities
  • improve abilities
  • musical / artistic / athletic abilities
  • language / reading / math abilities
  • leadership / organizational / problem-solving abilities
  • physical / mental / cognitive abilities
  • abilities in [a field]
  • abilities as [a role]
Synonyms
  • skills

    focuses on learned, practiced expertise rather than natural capacity

  • talents

    emphasizes natural, inborn gifts rather than developed skills

  • capabilities

    highlights the potential or readiness to perform tasks

  • aptitudes

    refers specifically to a natural tendency or quickness in learning

Antonyms
  • disabilities

    opposite meaning — lack or limitation of physical or mental abilities

  • weaknesses

    areas where one performs poorly, contrasting with areas of ability

Grammar Patterns

ability to do something

abilities in [area]

abilities as [role]

Usage Note

Abilities is the plural form of ability. It refers to more than one skill or capacity. The singular form ability is much more common in everyday speech and is often followed by a to-infinitive (the ability to do something). When listing multiple specific skills, the plural abilities is natural (e.g., language abilities, leadership abilities).

Common Mistakes

She have many abilities.
She has many abilities.
abilities is a plural countable noun; use has with third-person singular subjects.
I have ability to sing.
I have the ability to sing.' or 'I have strong singing abilities.
the singular form needs a determiner (the, her, etc.); the plural form often pairs with an adjective or a specifying phrase.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Ability is the broadest term, covering any natural or learned power to do something. Skill emphasizes expertise gained through practice or training — for example, 'her skill at negotiation improved over the years.' Talent highlights a natural, inborn gift rather than a taught one: 'he has a talent for drawing.' Capability points to the potential or readiness to perform, even if not yet demonstrated: 'the team has the capability to handle larger projects.' Aptitude refers specifically to a natural tendency or quickness to learn something: 'she showed an early aptitude for languages.' While ability can replace most of these in casual speech, the other words add a more precise shade of meaning that advanced learners will benefit from distinguishing.

ability ↗skill ↗talent ↗capability ↗aptitude

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • to the best of one's abilities
  • beyond one's abilities
  • within one's abilities

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchMiddle EnglishEnglish

The word ability comes from Middle English abilite, from Old French habilité, and ultimately from Latin habilitas, meaning 'aptitude' or 'fitness.' The Latin root habilis means 'easily handled, apt, fit,' which is also the source of the English word able. The h- was often dropped in early French and English, but later attempts to restore Latin spellings influenced the modern form. The plural abilities follows the regular English pattern of adding -es to nouns ending in -y.