capability

Everyday

1. A capability is the ability or power to do something: «The robot has the capability to climb stairs». tree →
2. Capabilities are the skills, tools or strength someone or something has. tree →

In the lessons

In science and technology lessons machines and computers are compared by their capabilities. In reports and the formal exam voice it is a fancy way to say «what someone can do». Phrases: within your capabilities, beyond its capabilities.

Examples

• This phone has the capability to take underwater photos. tree →
• The new computer has amazing capabilities. tree →
• Climbing that mountain is beyond my capability. tree →
• The team showed their full capability in the final. tree →
• We tested the robot's capabilities in class. tree →
• Owls have the capability to see in the dark. tree →

Note

Formal; at home people say «can» or «able to». Plural «capabilities». Adjective «capable» (capable of doing something).