Able vs. Ability

Able vs. Ability — Is There a Difference?
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Difference Between Able and Ability

Ableadjective

Easy to use.

Abilitynoun

(obsolete) Suitableness.

Ableadjective

Suitable; competent.

Abilitynoun

(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.

Ableadjective

Liable to.

Abilitynoun

The legal wherewithal to act.

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Ableadjective

Having the necessary powers or the needed resources to accomplish a task.

Abilitynoun

Physical power.

Ableadjective

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.

Abilitynoun

(archaic) Financial ability.

Ableadjective

Having the physical strength; robust; healthy.

After the past week of forced marches, only half the men are fully able.

Abilitynoun

(uncountable) A unique power of the mind; a faculty.

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Ableadjective

(obsolete) Rich; well-to-do.

He was born to an able family.

Abilitynoun

(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.

Ableadjective

Gifted with skill, intelligence, knowledge, or competence.

The chairman was also an able sailor.

Abilitynoun

the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment

Ableadjective

(law) Legally qualified or competent.

He is able to practice law in six states.

Abilitynoun

possession of the qualities (especially mental qualities) required to do something or get something done;

danger heightened his powers of discrimination

Ableadjective

(nautical) Capable of performing all the requisite duties; as an able seaman.

Ableverb

To make ready.

Ableverb

To make capable; to enable.

Ableverb

To dress.

Ableverb

To give power to; to reinforce; to confirm.

Ableverb

To vouch for; to guarantee.

Ablenoun

The letter "A".Wp

Ableadjective

(usually followed by `to') having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something;

able to swimshe was able to program her computerwe were at last able to buy a carable to get a grant for the project

Ableadjective

have the skills and qualifications to do things well;

able teachersa capable administratorchildren as young as 14 can be extremely capable and dependable

Ableadjective

having inherent physical or mental ability or capacity;

able to learnhuman beings are able to walk on two feetSuperman is able to leap tall buildings

Ableadjective

having a strong healthy body;

an able seamanevery able-bodied young man served in the army