Capability vs. Capable — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 18, 2024
Capability refers to the potential or ability to perform a task, while capable describes someone or something having the ability or qualities to achieve a task.
Difference Between Capability and Capable
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Capability is a noun that denotes the potential or power to do something. It is often used to discuss the capacity or proficiency of a person, system, or organization to perform a specific function or task. Capable, on the other hand, is an adjective describing someone or something that has the necessary skills, power, or qualifications to accomplish a task. It characterizes the actual ability rather than potential.
While capability focuses on the potential and breadth of functions that can be performed, capable highlights the current ability and competence in performing a specific task. Capability is often discussed in a broader context, indicating the range of possible actions or performance levels, whereas capable is more immediate and specific to a particular ability.
Capability might encompass both innate and developed skills or resources, reflecting an overall capacity that could be utilized under the right conditions. Capable, however, directly refers to being competent or skilled enough to carry out a particular job or duty effectively.
In practical terms, an organization might assess its capabilities to determine strategic strengths and areas for improvement, while an individual might be described as capable when they demonstrate their proficiency in a given task.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun
Adjective
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Definition
Potential or power to do something
Having the ability or qualities
Usage Context
Broad, strategic, potential
Specific, immediate, actual
Example Sentence
"The system has the capability to grow."
"She is capable of solving problems."
Focus
Potential and capacity
Actual ability and competence
Compare with Definitions
Capability
The extent of someone or something's ability.
The device's capability to connect wirelessly is a key feature.
Capable
Having the necessary ability or qualities to do something.
She is capable of completing the project on time.
Capability
The power or potential to do something.
The new engine enhances the car's capability to accelerate quickly.
Capable
Competent and effective.
He is a capable leader who inspires his team.
Capability
An ability or proficiency in a particular area.
His capability in managing teams is well-recognized.
Capable
Adequately skilled or proficient.
The capable technician quickly fixed the issue.
Capability
A specific function or service that can be performed.
The software includes a reporting capability that is very useful.
Capable
Qualified and fit for a particular task.
She is capable of handling the responsibilities of her new role.
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
Capable
Having the potential to achieve specific outcomes.
The machine is capable of operating at high speeds.
Capability
The quality of being capable; ability.
Capable
Having capacity or ability; efficient and able
A capable administrator. See Usage Note at able.
Capability
Often capabilities A talent or ability that has potential for development or use
A student of great capabilities.
Capable
Having the ability required for a specific task or accomplishment; qualified
Capable of winning.
Capability
The capacity to be used, treated, or developed for a specific purpose
Nuclear capability.
Capable
Having the inclination or disposition
Capable of violence.
Capability
The power or ability to generate an outcome
Capable
Permitting an action to be performed
An error capable of remedy.
A camera capable of being used underwater.
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.
Capable
Able and efficient; having the ability needed for a specific task; having the disposition to do something; permitting or being susceptible to something.
She is capable and efficient.
He does not need help; he is capable of eating on his own.
As everyone knew, he was capable of violence when roused.
That fact is not capable of proof.
Capability
The quality of being capable; capacity; capableness; esp. intellectual power or ability.
A capability to take a thousand views of a subject.
Capable
(obsolete) Of sufficient capacity or size for holding, containing, receiving or taking in; accessible to. Construed with of, for or an infinitive.
Capability
Capacity of being used or improved.
Capable
Possessing ability, qualification, or susceptibility; having capacity; of sufficient size or strength; as, a room capable of holding a large number; a castle capable of resisting a long assault.
Concious of joy and capable of pain.
Capability
The quality of being capable -- physically or intellectually or legally;
He worked to the limits of his capability
Capable
Possessing adequate power; qualified; able; fully competent; as, a capable instructor; a capable judge; a mind capable of nice investigations.
More capable to discourse of battles than to give them.
Capability
The susceptibility of something to a particular treatment;
The capability of a metal to be fused
Capable
Possessing legal power or capacity; as, a man capable of making a contract, or a will.
Capability
An aptitude that may be developed
Capable
Capacious; large; comprehensive.
Capability
The quality of being capable.
We need to assess our capability to handle increased demand.
Capable
(usually followed by `of') having capacity or ability;
Capable of winning
Capable of hard work
Capable of walking on two feet
Capable
Possibly accepting or permitting;
A passage capable of misinterpretation
Open to interpretation
An issue open to question
The time is fixed by the director and players and therefore subject to much variation
Capable
(followed by `of') having the temperament or inclination for;
No one believed her capable of murder
Capable
Having the requisite qualities for;
Equal to the task
The work isn't up to the standard I require
Capable
Have the skills and qualifications to do things well;
Able teachers
A capable administrator
Children as young as 14 can be extremely capable and dependable
Common Curiosities
Can capability and capable be used interchangeably?
No, capability is a noun focusing on potential, while capable is an adjective describing actual ability.
What does capability emphasize?
Capability emphasizes the potential and range of abilities or functions.
How do you use capable in a sentence?
E.g., "She is capable of leading the new project successfully."
Can capability refer to a group or system?
Yes, capability can describe the potential of systems, organizations, or groups.
Can capability be developed?
Yes, capability can be developed through training, resources, and experience.
Can capable refer to a group or system?
Capable usually describes individuals, but can also refer to groups or systems that demonstrate competence.
Can capable improve?
Yes, a capable person can become more skilled or competent over time.
How do you use capability in a sentence?
E.g., "The company has the capability to expand internationally."
Is capable always about current ability?
Yes, it describes someone or something's present competence.
Does capable imply possession of skills?
Yes, it directly implies that the necessary skills or qualities are present and effective.
What is the difference between capability and capable?
Capability refers to the potential or capacity to do something, while capable describes having the actual ability to do something.
Does capability imply possession of skills?
Yes, it implies potential skills or power that can be applied when needed.
What does capable emphasize?
Capable emphasizes the current and demonstrated ability to perform a task.
Is capability always about potential?
Mostly, yes. It often refers to what can be done under the right conditions.
Which term would be used in a strategic context?
Capability is often used in strategic contexts to discuss potential and capacity.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-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.
