Ability vs Capability: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
Ability refers to an individual's skill to perform something, while capability expresses the capacity of a person or system in a broader sense.
Memory Tip: ability = personal skill, capability = overall capacity
ability stress on 'bil', capability stress on 'cap'
ability /əˈbɪləti/
nounThe power or skill to do something.
Example:
Although she has been working at the company for years, her ability to lead a team effectively has often been questioned by her colleagues.
Common patterns:
have the ability
show ability
capability
nounCapability refers to the inherent ability or potential of an individual, organization, or system to perform a specific task or achieve a particular outcome, often encompassing the necessary skills, resources, and competencies required for effective execut
Example:
Although the team has been working hard, they lack the capability to handle such a complex project without additional training.
Common patterns:
operational capability
strategic capability
human capability
Common Mistakes
The athlete's capability to run fast won him the race.
The athlete's ability to run fast won him the race.
Ability is the correct word because it refers to the specific skill of running fast.
The new software has the ability to handle large data sets efficiently.
The new software has the capability to handle large data sets efficiently.
Capability is appropriate here as it refers to the broader capacity of the software system.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. Although she has been working at the company for years, her ____ to lead a team effectively has often been questioned by her colleagues.
2. Although the team has been working hard, they lack the ____ to handle such a complex project without additional training.
Other Confusing Words
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