Ability vs. Strength: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 2, 2023
Ability is the capacity to perform a specific task or action, while strength is the quality or state of being physically, mentally, or emotionally strong.
Key Differences
Ability refers to the possession of the means or skill to do something. It is more about acquired knowledge, skills, and talents to execute a task or action. It can be innate or learned through experience, education, and training. Strength, on the other hand, often relates to the state or quality of being strong. It can refer to physical power, but also to mental or emotional resilience, or a strong attribute or inherent asset.
The context of ability is usually linked to the performance of a task or action. For instance, one might have the ability to play the piano or solve complex mathematical problems. Strength is generally associated with the level of power or energy, either mentally, physically, or emotionally. It might refer to someone’s strong will, strong muscles, or a strong command of a language.
Ability is subject to development and improvement, often relying on learning, practice, and experience. It can be enhanced through continuous effort, education, and training. Strength also can be developed, particularly physical strength through exercise and training, and emotional or mental strength through experience, learning, and personal development.
While ability is more about competency and proficiency in performing tasks or actions, strength is more about the level of power, resilience, or robustness. Both ability and strength are important in different contexts, and they can complement each other in various situations. For instance, the ability to strategize in a game can be a mental strength, and physical strength can enhance the ability to perform in sports.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Capacity to perform a specific task or action.
Quality or state of being physically, mentally, or emotionally strong.
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Development
Can be developed through learning and experience.
Can be developed through training and experience.
Context
More about acquired knowledge, skills, and talents.
Often related to power, resilience, and robustness.
Aspect
More task-oriented.
More quality-oriented.
Application
Related to execution of tasks or actions.
Related to level of power or energy.
Ability and Strength Definitions
Ability
Ability is the proficiency to perform a certain task.
Her ability to speak multiple languages is impressive.
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Strength
Strength can refer to a beneficial quality or attribute.
Her major strength is her ability to deal with stress effectively.
Ability
Ability is the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment.
Her singing ability is unparalleled.
Strength
Strength is the level of influence or potency one possesses.
The strength of his argument convinced the jury.
Ability
Ability is an acquired or natural capacity to execute a task.
His mathematical ability was evident from a young age.
Strength
The state or quality of being strong; physical power or capacity
The strength needed to lift a box.
Ability
Ability involves having the skills, knowledge, or talent to perform an action.
His leadership ability makes him a great team captain.
Strength
The capacity to resist attack; impregnability
The strength of the ship's armor.
Ability
Ability is the possession of the means or skill to do something.
The ability to focus is crucial for success.
Strength
The capacity to resist strain or stress; durability
The strength of the cables.
Ability
The quality of being able to do something, especially the physical, mental, financial, or legal power to accomplish something.
Strength
The ability to deal with difficult situations or to maintain a moral or intellectual position
Does he have the strength to overcome such a tragedy?.
Ability
A skill, talent, or capacity
A student of many abilities.
Strength
The number of people constituting a normal or ideal organization
The police force has been at half strength since the budget cuts.
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.
Strength
Capability in terms of numbers or resources
An army of fearsome strength.
Ability
(obsolete) Suitableness.
Strength
An attribute or quality of particular worth or utility; an asset
Your easygoing nature is one of your strengths.
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.
Strength
One that is regarded as the embodiment of protective or supportive power; a support or mainstay
Her family has been her strength in difficult times.
Ability
The legal wherewithal to act.
Strength
Degree of concentration, distillation, or saturation
What's the strength of that cleaning solution?.
Ability
Physical power.
Strength
Operative effectiveness or potency
The strength of the drug.
Ability
(archaic) Financial ability.
Strength
Intensity, as of sound or light
The strength of the wind.
Ability
(uncountable) A unique power of the mind; a faculty.
Strength
Intensity of emotion or belief
The strength of feeling among the voters.
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
Strength
Cogency or persuasiveness
The strength of his argument.
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.
Strength
Effective or binding force; efficacy
The strength of an argument.
Ability
The quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment
Strength
Firmness of or a continuous rising tendency in prices, as of a currency or market.
Ability
Possession of the qualities (especially mental qualities) required to do something or get something done;
Danger heightened his powers of discrimination
Strength
(Games) Power derived from the value of playing cards held.
Strength
The quality or degree of being strong.
It requires great strength to lift heavy objects.
Strength
The intensity of a force or power; potency.
He had the strength of ten men.
Strength
The strongest part of something; that on which confidence or reliance is based.
Strength
A positive attribute.
We all have our own strengths and weaknesses.
Strength
(obsolete) An armed force, a body of troops.
Strength
(obsolete) A strong place; a stronghold.
Strength
(obsolete) To strengthen all senses.
Strength
The quality or state of being strong; ability to do or to bear; capacity for exertion or endurance, whether physical, intellectual, or moral; force; vigor; power; as, strength of body or of the arm; strength of mind, of memory, or of judgment.
All his [Samson's] strength in his hairs were.
Thou must outliveThy youth, thy strength, thy beauty.
Strength
Power to resist force; solidity or toughness; the quality of bodies by which they endure the application of force without breaking or yielding; - in this sense opposed to frangibility; as, the strength of a bone, of a beam, of a wall, a rope, and the like.
Strength
Power of resisting attacks; impregnability.
Strength
That quality which tends to secure results; effective power in an institution or enactment; security; validity; legal or moral force; logical conclusiveness; as, the strength of social or legal obligations; the strength of law; the strength of public opinion; strength of evidence; strength of argument.
Strength
One who, or that which, is regarded as embodying or affording force, strength, or firmness; that on which confidence or reliance is based; support; security.
God is our refuge and strength.
What they boded would be a mischief to us, you are providing shall be one of our principal strengths.
Certainly there is not a greater strength against temptation.
Strength
Force as measured; amount, numbers, or power of any body, as of an army, a navy, and the like; as, what is the strength of the enemy by land, or by sea?
Strength
Vigor or style; force of expression; nervous diction; - said of literary work.
And praise the easy vigor of a lifeWhere Denham's strength and Waller's sweetness join.
Strength
Intensity; - said of light or color.
Bright Phœbus in his strength.
Strength
Intensity or degree of the distinguishing and essential element; spirit; virtue; excellence; - said of liquors, solutions, etc.; as, the strength of wine or of acids.
Strength
A strong place; a stronghold.
Strength
To strengthen.
Strength
The property of being physically or mentally strong;
Fatigue sapped his strength
Strength
Capability in terms of personnel and materiel that affect the capacity to fight a war;
We faced an army of great strength
Politicians have neglected our military posture
Strength
Physical energy or intensity;
He hit with all the force he could muster
It was destroyed by the strength of the gale
A government has not the vitality and forcefulness of a living man
Strength
An asset of special worth or utility;
Cooking is his forte
Strength
The power to induce the taking of a course of action or the embracing of a point of view by means of argument or entreaty;
The strength of his argument settled the matter
Strength
The amount of energy transmitted (as by acoustic or electromagnetic radiation);
He adjusted the intensity of the sound
They measured the station's signal strength
Strength
Capacity to produce strong physiological or chemical effects;
The toxin's potency
The strength of the drinks
Strength
The condition of financial success;
The strength of the company's stock in recent weeks
Strength
Permanence by virtue of the power to resist stress or force;
They advertised the durability of their products
Strength
Strength is the quality of being physically strong.
His strength allows him to lift heavy weights.
Strength
Strength is the level of resistance against changing, breaking, or being destroyed.
The strength of the rope was tested by the weight it could bear.
Strength
Strength denotes mental or emotional robustness, resilience, or courage.
Her emotional strength was evident in her calm demeanor during the crisis.
FAQs
Can ability be learned?
Yes, ability can be acquired and enhanced through learning and experience.
Can abilities be innate?
Yes, some abilities can be innate or natural.
Is strength always physical?
No, strength can be physical, mental, or emotional.
Can strength refer to a character trait?
Yes, strength can denote a positive character trait or attribute.
Is strength always a positive quality?
Generally, but it can be negative if used improperly, such as in cases of excessive force or influence.
Is the ability to learn variable?
Yes, people have varying abilities to learn due to individual differences.
Can everyone develop the same abilities?
While people can develop abilities, individual aptitudes and limitations can vary.
Can physical strength influence mental strength?
Yes, physical strength and wellbeing can positively impact mental and emotional strength.
Is ability action-specific?
Typically, yes, ability is related to the capacity to perform specific tasks or actions.
Can emotional strength be developed?
Yes, emotional strength can be developed over time with experience and resilience.
Is the ability to adapt important?
Yes, adaptability is a crucial ability in varying and changing circumstances.
Can abilities be lost over time?
Yes, abilities can diminish without practice or due to aging or health conditions.
Can strengths be weaknesses?
Yes, sometimes strengths can become weaknesses in certain contexts, such as being overly confident.
Is ability dependent on knowledge?
Often, yes, the ability to perform tasks usually involves some level of knowledge or skill.
Can strength be measured?
Yes, strength can be measured in various ways depending on its context, like physical strength can be measured using weightlifting.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
