What's the Difference Between 'Ability' and 'Capability'?

In this blog post we look at when to use ability and when to use capability.

'Ability' or 'Capability'?

"Ability" and "capability" are two words that are often used to describe a person's skills or capabilities. However, they can have slightly different meanings.

"Ability" refers to a person's inherent or natural talent or skill. It is something that a person is born with or has developed over time through practice and experience.

For example, you might say that someone has a natural ability to play music or speak multiple languages.

"Capability," on the other hand, refers to a person's potential or capacity to do something. It is a broad term that can encompass both inherent skills and skills that a person has learned or developed.

For example, you might say that someone has the capability to learn a new skill quickly or to adapt to new situations.

Here are a few examples of sentences using "ability" and "capability":

  • "She has the ability to solve complex problems quickly." (The word "ability" here refers to a person's inherent talent or skill.)

  • "He has the capability to learn new languages easily." (The word "capability" here refers to a person's potential or capacity to learn something new.)

  • "She has the ability to play the piano beautifully." (The word "ability" here refers to a person's inherent talent or skill.)

  • "He has the capability to adapt to new environments quickly." (The word "capability" here refers to a person's potential or capacity to adapt to new situations.)

  • "She has the ability to play multiple sports at a high level." (The word "ability" here refers to a person's inherent talent or skill.)

  • "He has the capability to learn new software quickly." (The word "capability" here refers to a person's potential or capacity to learn something new.)

Examples of Ability in a Sentence

Here are ten example sentences using the word "ability":

  1. "She has the ability to play the piano beautifully."

  2. "He has the ability to speak multiple languages fluently."

  3. "She has the ability to solve complex problems quickly."

  4. "He has the ability to play multiple sports at a high level."

  5. "She has the ability to sing beautifully."

  6. "He has the ability to write creatively and compellingly."

  7. "She has the ability to draw and paint with incredible detail."

  8. "He has the ability to solve difficult math problems in his head."

  9. "She has the ability to remember vast amounts of information easily."

  10. "He has the ability to run long distances without tiring."

Examples of Capability in a Sentence

Here are ten example sentences using the word "capability":

  1. "She has the capability to learn new software quickly."

  2. "He has the capability to adapt to new challenges easily."

  3. "She has the capability to learn new skills quickly."

  4. "He has the capability to understand complex concepts easily."

  5. "She has the capability to speak in front of large crowds confidently."

  6. "He has the capability to learn new languages easily."

  7. "She has the capability to think critically and solve problems effectively."

  8. "He has the capability to work well under pressure."

  9. "She has the capability to plan and organize complex projects efficiently."

  10. "He has the capability to adapt to new environments quickly."


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Ability or Capability
Ability or Capability