Capability vs. Ability — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 12, 2023
Capability refers to the potential or capacity to achieve something, while Ability is the skill or proficiency to do a specific task.
Difference Between Capability and Ability
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Capability emphasizes the potential or capacity to achieve certain outcomes or functions. It's more about what is possible given the right conditions or resources. On the contrary, Ability focuses on one's current skillset or proficiency in performing specific tasks. It denotes an inherent or acquired skill.
While an organization might have the capability to expand into new markets, individual employees within that organization possess specific abilities that contribute to its success. When speaking of machinery, we might talk about its capability in terms of features or potential output. But when speaking of a person's talent in using that machinery, we refer to their ability.
Comparison Chart
Definition
The capacity or potential to achieve something.
The skill or proficiency to do a specific task
Part of Speech
Noun
Noun
Example Usage
"The machine's capability is impressive."
"Her ability to sing is unmatched."
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Associated Context
Potential, Capacity
Skillset, Talent, Proficiency
Synonyms
Potential, Capacity, Power
Skill, Talent, Expertise
Compare with Definitions
Capability
The extent of someone's or something's ability.
The capability of the system was tested.
Ability
The physical or mental power to perform a task.
His ability to lift heavy weights surprised us.
Capability
An aptitude or faculty.
She possesses a unique capability in design.
Ability
The skill or means to do something.
She has the ability to communicate effectively.
Capability
A feature or quality that allows something to be done.
The software has a new editing capability.
Ability
A competence in a specific domain.
Her mathematical ability is commendable.
Capability
The power or ability to do something
The company's capability to increase productivity
He had an intuitive capability of bringing the best out in people
Ability
A natural talent or proficiency in a particular area.
His musical ability is remarkable.
Capability
The quality of being capable; ability.
Ability
Possession of the means or skill to do something
The manager had lost his ability to motivate the players
Capability
Often capabilities A talent or ability that has potential for development or use
A student of great capabilities.
Ability
Talent, skill, or proficiency in a particular area
Pupils of all abilities
A man of exceptional ability
Capability
The capacity to be used, treated, or developed for a specific purpose
Nuclear capability.
Ability
The quality of being able to do something, especially the physical, mental, financial, or legal power to accomplish something.
Capability
The power or ability to generate an outcome
Ability
A skill, talent, or capacity
A student of many abilities.
Capability
(computing) A digital token allowing a user or process to interact in a specified way with an object that is subject to access control.
Ability
The quality of being suitable for or receptive to a specified treatment
The ability of a computer to be configured for use as a file server. See Usage Note at able.
Capability
The quality of being capable; capacity; capableness; esp. intellectual power or ability.
A capability to take a thousand views of a subject.
Ability
(obsolete) Suitableness.
Capability
Capacity of being used or improved.
Ability
(uncountable) 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.
This wood has the ability to fight off insects, fungus, and mold for a considerable time.
Capability
The quality of being capable -- physically or intellectually or legally;
He worked to the limits of his capability
Ability
The legal wherewithal to act.
Capability
The susceptibility of something to a particular treatment;
The capability of a metal to be fused
Ability
Physical power.
Capability
An aptitude that may be developed
Ability
(archaic) Financial ability.
Capability
The power or capacity to achieve something.
The team showcased their capability to win.
Ability
(uncountable) A unique power of the mind; a faculty.
Capability
The potential to develop or improve.
He has the capability to be a great leader.
Ability
(countable) A skill or competence in doing; mental power; talent; aptitude.
They are persons of ability, who will go far in life.
She has an uncanny ability to defuse conflict.
A mixed-ability class
Ability
The quality or state of being able; power to perform, whether physical, moral, intellectual, conventional, or legal; capacity; skill or competence in doing; sufficiency of strength, skill, resources, etc.; - in the plural, faculty, talent.
Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren.
Natural abilities are like natural plants, that need pruning by study.
The public men of England, with much of a peculiar kind of ability.
Ability
The quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment
Ability
Possession of the qualities (especially mental qualities) required to do something or get something done;
Danger heightened his powers of discrimination
Ability
The quality of being capable or proficient.
The job requires a person of great ability.
Common Curiosities
Can Ability be learned or developed?
Yes, through training and experience, one can enhance their abilities.
How does Capability differ from Ability?
Capability refers to potential or capacity, while Ability refers to current skill or proficiency.
Is Capability always related to future potential?
Not always, but it often emphasizes what's possible given the right conditions.
Is every Ability linked to a Capability?
While every ability might indicate a capability, not every capability is currently manifested as an ability.
Can someone have the Capability but not the Ability?
Yes, someone might have the potential (Capability) but might lack the current skill (Ability).
How do organizations assess Capability?
Through feasibility studies, SWOT analysis, and other strategic tools.
Do machines have Abilities?
Machines have capabilities; however, the term "ability" is generally reserved for living entities.
Can Capability be measured?
It can be gauged, often by evaluating resources, potential outputs, and other relevant factors.
Is every Capability utilized?
No, some capabilities remain untapped or underutilized.
Can someone lose their Ability?
Yes, abilities can diminish due to various reasons like age, lack of practice, or health issues.
Is "capable" related to Capability?
Yes, "capable" is an adjective form denoting having the capacity or potential.
Can Ability be innate?
Yes, some abilities are natural or inborn.
What's a synonym for Ability?
Skill, talent, and expertise are some synonyms.
Does Capability guarantee success?
No, having the capability doesn't guarantee success; execution matters.
Is Ability always inherent?
No, while some abilities are innate, others can be acquired through learning and experience.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
