capabilities

IPA/ˌkeɪ.pəˈbɪl.ə.ti/
KK[kˌepəbˈɪlətiz]IPA/ˌkeɪ.pəˈbɪl.ə.t̬i/

capabilities — noun

  • capabilitiessingular
  • capabilitiesesplural

1. the practical skills, strengths, or powers that a person, organization, or syste

1.nounB1
Definition

the practical skills, strengths, or powers that a person, organization, or system has to achieve a particular result, such as a team's ability to handle complex projects or a machine's ability to perform certain tasks.

Example

The new software gives the team capabilities for analysing large data sets in real time.

capabilities + for + gerund

Sana's language capabilities made her the natural choice for the overseas liaison role.

possessive + capabilities (people)

Common collocations
  • technical capabilities
  • analytical capabilities
  • communication capabilities
  • cognitive capabilities
  • core capabilities
  • advanced capabilities
  • unique capabilities
  • capabilities in [field]
  • capabilities to handle/process/manage
Synonyms
  • abilities

    broader term; refers to any natural or acquired skill, not necessarily developed or deployable

  • competencies

    more formal; implies proven, job-related skills measured against a standard

  • capacities

    emphasises potential or maximum possible output rather than current skill

  • aptitudes

    focuses on natural talent or potential for learning, not trained skill

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

capabilities + for + noun/gerund

capabilities + to-infinitive

Usage Note

Often appears in plural form even when referring to a single entity's range of abilities. Singular form 'capability' is used when referring to one specific ability (e.g., 'a capability for quick decision-making').

Common Mistakes

She has many capabilities to solve this problem.
She has the capability to solve this problem.
when referring to one specific ability, use the singular 'capability'.
The car has high capabilities.
The car has excellent performance capabilities.
'capabilities' is typically qualified with a noun or adjective specifying the area (e.g., 'technical capabilities', 'engine capabilities').

2. the quantity and quality of weapons, soldiers, vehicles, and other resources tha

2.nounB2
Definition

the quantity and quality of weapons, soldiers, vehicles, and other resources that a country or armed force has available for fighting a war or defending itself.

Example

The country's naval capabilities include three new submarines and a fleet of patrol boats.

naval/military + capabilities

Nkechi studied the defence capabilities of both nations before writing her report.

defence + capabilities

Common collocations
  • naval capabilities
  • nuclear capabilities
  • air defence capabilities
  • military capabilities
  • defence capabilities
  • missile capabilities
  • attack capabilities
  • intelligence capabilities
  • combat capabilities
  • reduce/expand capabilities
  • develop capabilities
Synonyms
  • military strength

    broader; includes manpower, resources, and strategic position, not just quantifiable assets

  • firepower

    narrower; refers specifically to the destructive capacity of weapons

  • defence capacity

    focuses on the ability to defend rather than to attack

Grammar Patterns

[military branch/type] + capabilities

capabilities + of + country

Usage Note

Almost always used in plural. The singular 'capability' in military contexts usually refers to one specific type of weapon or system (e.g., 'a nuclear capability'). Subject is typically a country, military alliance, or branch of armed forces.

Common Mistakes

My country has big capabilities.
My country has strong naval capabilities.
in military contexts, always specify the type of capability (naval, nuclear, defence, etc.) rather than using a vague adjective like 'big'.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words relate to what a person or thing can do, but they differ in focus. 'Ability' is the broadest term, covering any natural or acquired skill — a child may have the ability to draw, but not the competence of a trained artist. 'Capabilities' often refers to a developed range of skills that can be deployed: a software tool has capabilities, not just ability. 'Capacity' suggests potential or room for growth — a person may have the capacity to learn three languages even if they currently speak only one. 'Competence' implies a sufficient, tested level of skill to perform a job adequately. 'Proficiency' is the highest tier, indicating advanced, polished skill gained through practice. For example, an entry-level employee may have the competence to do the job, while a senior engineer has the proficiency to train others.

ability ↗capacity ↗competence ↗proficiency ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • range of capabilities
  • level of capability
  • area of capability

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

The word 'capability' entered English in the late 1500s, borrowed from French 'capabilité' or formed from 'capable' (from Latin 'capabilis', meaning 'able to hold or contain'). The root is Latin 'capere' — to take, hold, or contain. The idea is that a person or thing has the 'container-like' capacity to hold a skill or perform a function. The plural form 'capabilities' gradually became more common than the singular from the mid-1800s onward, as people used it to describe the combined range of skills or capacities that someone or something possesses.

First known use

1587

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1