Capable vs. Able — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 1, 2024
Capable emphasizes the potential or skill to do something, while able highlights the current capacity or freedom to act.
Difference Between Capable and Able
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Capable implies having the power, resources, or skill needed to do something. It often suggests potential that might not yet be realized or utilized. For instance, a person might be capable of running a marathon, meaning they have the physical fitness and determination required, even if they haven't done it yet. On the other hand, being able suggests the current ability or capacity to perform an action within specific circumstances. For example, saying someone is able to run a marathon today means they have the current fitness, health, and opportunity to do so immediately.
While capable often relates to the possession of required skills, knowledge, or resources that could be applied to future tasks, able tends to imply a more immediate readiness or possibility. For example, a company might be capable of expanding internationally, indicating it has the necessary structure and strategy, whereas it might be able at present to increase its market share domestically due to favorable economic conditions.
The distinction also extends to the way each term is used in describing potential versus realized abilities. A capable student has the intellectual potential and resources to excel academically, which might include their aptitude, study habits, and support system. In contrast, an able student is one who is currently achieving or showing success, directly applying their abilities and resources.
In terms of connotation, "capable" often carries a positive implication about someone's general competence or potential for achievement. It suggests a breadth of ability or a reserve of power that may exceed the demands of the current situation. Meanwhile, "able" can be seen as more neutral, simply stating a fact about someone's current state or conditions without necessarily implying surplus competence.
Capable and able are sometimes used interchangeably, but choosing one over the other can subtly change the meaning of a statement. Saying a software developer is capable of learning new programming languages suggests they have the aptitude and foundational knowledge to do so, perhaps with some effort or over time. Saying they are able to learn new programming languages quickly emphasizes their current skill level and readiness to adapt without significant barriers.
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Comparison Chart
Focus
Potential and skill.
Current capacity or freedom.
Usage
Often suggests future potential.
Implies immediate readiness or possibility.
Associated With
Skills, knowledge, resources.
Current conditions, freedom, immediate action
Connotation
Positive, suggests competence.
Neutral, factual about current state.
Examples
Capable of learning new skills.
Able to perform a task now.
Compare with Definitions
Capable
Having the ability, fitness, or quality necessary to do or achieve a specified thing.
She is capable of running a successful business.
Able
Having the power, skill, means, or opportunity to do something.
He was able to finish the project ahead of schedule.
Capable
Having the capacity or potential for something.
This printer is capable of producing high-quality prints.
Able
Having considerable skill, proficiency, or intelligence.
The ablest students in the class were awarded scholarships.
Capable
Possessing attributes or features conducive to success.
The team is capable of winning the championship with their current lineup.
Able
Being in a suitable state to do something; fit or ready.
After his recovery, he was able to walk again.
Capable
Able to achieve efficiently whatever one has to do; competent.
He is a capable leader who has steered the company through tough times.
Able
Having the freedom or opportunity to do something.
She will be able to attend the meeting next week.
Capable
Being skilled or talented in a particular area.
She's a very capable musician, proficient in multiple instruments.
Able
Being legally permitted or qualified to do something.
They are able to enter the contract under the new law.
Capable
Having capacity or ability; efficient and able
A capable administrator. See Usage Note at able.
Able
Having sufficient power or resources to accomplish something
A singer able to reach high notes.
A detergent able to remove stains.
Capable
Having the ability required for a specific task or accomplishment; qualified
Capable of winning.
Able
Usage Problem Susceptible to action or treatment
The brakes were able to be fixed.
Capable
Having the inclination or disposition
Capable of violence.
Able
Especially capable or proficient
The new programmers proved to be very able.
Capable
Permitting an action to be performed
An error capable of remedy.
A camera capable of being used underwater.
Able
Having the necessary powers or the needed resources to accomplish a task.
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.
Able
Free from constraints preventing completion of task; permitted to; not prevented from.
I’ll see you as soon as I’m able.
With that obstacle removed, I am now able to proceed with my plan.
I’m only able to visit you when I have other work here.
That cliff is able to be climbed.
Capable
(obsolete) Of sufficient capacity or size for holding, containing, receiving or taking in; accessible to. Construed with of, for or an infinitive.
Able
Gifted with skill, intelligence, knowledge, or competence.
The chairman was also an able sailor.
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.
Able
(law) Legally qualified or competent.
He is able to practice law in six states.
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.
Able
(nautical) Capable of performing all the requisite duties; as an able seaman.
Capable
Possessing legal power or capacity; as, a man capable of making a contract, or a will.
Able
Having the physical strength; robust; healthy.
After the past week of forced marches, only half the men are fully able.
Capable
Capacious; large; comprehensive.
Able
(obsolete) Easy to use.
Capable
(usually followed by `of') having capacity or ability;
Capable of winning
Capable of hard work
Capable of walking on two feet
Able
(obsolete) Suitable; competent.
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
Able
Liable to.
Capable
(followed by `of') having the temperament or inclination for;
No one believed her capable of murder
Able
(obsolete) Rich; well-to-do.
He was born to an able family.
Capable
Having the requisite qualities for;
Equal to the task
The work isn't up to the standard I require
Able
To make ready.
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
Able
To make capable; to enable.
Able
To dress.
Able
To give power to; to reinforce; to confirm.
Able
To vouch for; to guarantee.
Able
The letter "A" in Navy Phonetic Alphabet.
Able
Fit; adapted; suitable.
A many man, to ben an abbot able.
Able
Having sufficient power, strength, force, skill, means, or resources of any kind to accomplish the object; possessed of qualifications rendering competent for some end; competent; qualified; capable; as, an able workman, soldier, seaman, a man able to work; a mind able to reason; a person able to be generous; able to endure pain; able to play on a piano.
Able
Specially: Having intellectual qualifications, or strong mental powers; showing ability or skill; talented; clever; powerful; as, the ablest man in the senate; an able speech.
No man wrote abler state papers.
Able
Legally qualified; possessed of legal competence; as, able to inherit or devise property.
Able
To make able; to enable; to strengthen.
Able
To vouch for.
Able
(usually followed by `to') having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something;
Able to swim
She was able to program her computer
We were at last able to buy a car
Able to get a grant for the project
Able
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
Able
Having inherent physical or mental ability or capacity;
Able to learn
Human beings are able to walk on two feet
Superman is able to leap tall buildings
Able
Having a strong healthy body;
An able seaman
Every able-bodied young man served in the army
Common Curiosities
How do you determine if someone is capable?
Determining capability often involves assessing their skills, knowledge, past achievements, and potential for future success.
Can someone be capable but not able?
Yes, a person might be capable (have the skill or potential) to do something but not able (lacking the current opportunity or conditions) to do it.
Does able imply immediate action?
While able often suggests readiness or the current capacity for action, it doesn't necessarily mean immediate action will be taken.
Is able used in legal contexts?
Yes, able can be used to describe legal eligibility or permission to do something.
How does able differ from capable?
Able emphasizes the current ability or readiness to perform an action, while capable highlights the potential or skill to do so, possibly in the future.
Is being able always a matter of skill?
Not always; being able can also depend on one's current circumstances, opportunities, or legal permissions, beyond just skill.
Can capable imply a learning curve?
Yes, saying someone is capable can imply they have the potential to learn or develop necessary skills over time.
Can a task require both capability and ability?
Yes, many tasks require both the underlying potential or skill (capability) and the current conditions or readiness (ability) to be successfully completed.
What does capable mean?
Capable refers to having the potential, skill, or resources necessary to accomplish a task or achieve a goal.
How do context and goals affect the choice between capable and able?
The choice depends on whether the emphasis is on potential and skill (capable) or current readiness and conditions (able).
Can organizations be described as capable or able?
Yes, organizations can be described as capable or able, referring to their collective skills, resources, and current opportunities.
How do capability and ability relate to competency?
Both are components of competency, which involves the skills, knowledge, and conditions necessary for effective performance.
Can capable and able be used interchangeably?
They can be used interchangeably in some contexts, but subtle differences in meaning can affect the nuance of a statement.
How does potential relate to being capable?
Potential is a key component of being capable, as it encompasses the qualities or resources that enable future success.
Is it possible to increase one's capability or ability?
Yes, through training, experience, and improving circumstances, one can enhance both capability and ability.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
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.
