Capability vs. Capable: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on November 12, 2023
Capability is a noun referring to the quality or state of being capable, or the range of what someone or something can do. Capable is an adjective describing having the ability, fitness, or quality necessary to do or achieve a specified thing.
Key Differences
Capability refers to the potential or capacity for something, often used in a broader, more abstract context. It's a noun representing what can be done, the extent of someone's or something's abilities. Capable, on the other hand, is an adjective describing someone or something as having the ability or qualities necessary to perform a particular task or role. It's more about the present ability rather than potential.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
Capability often implies a range of skills or abilities that a person or thing possesses, potentially untapped. It's about what might be achievable under the right conditions. For example, a company's capability to innovate. Capable denotes effectiveness and proficiency in the current context, such as a capable leader or a capable piece of software, indicating they are currently performing effectively.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
In usage, capability often appears in contexts discussing potential or theoretical abilities. It's about possibilities and what could be done. For instance, discussing a country's military capabilities. Capable is used to describe actual competence or skill in the here and now, focusing on what someone or something is currently able to do.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
When discussing capability, it encompasses a range of abilities or functions, often in a more general sense. It's about the capacity to achieve various outcomes. Capable is more specific, pointing to the ability to accomplish a certain task or fulfill a specific role effectively.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
Capability often appears in strategic, planning, or potential-oriented discussions, like in business or technology, to indicate what might be achievable in the future. Capable is more about current abilities and is commonly used in everyday language to describe competency in a specific area or task.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Context of Use
Potential abilities or range of functions
Current ability or skill in a specific area
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
Focus
Theoretical or potential skills
Actual, present-day competence or effectiveness
Sumera Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
Implication
What could be done under certain conditions
What is currently being done effectively
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
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Capability and Capable Definitions
Capability
Potential or latent qualities.
The new software has the capability to revolutionize our workflow.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
Capable
Able to achieve efficiently what is needed.
The software is capable of processing large amounts of data quickly.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
Capability
A feature or characteristic that can be developed.
Her leadership capability was evident even in her youth.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
Capable
Qualified or fit for a purpose.
She proved herself capable in high-pressure situations.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 12, 2023
Capability
The extent of someone's or something's abilities.
The company's capability to innovate sets it apart from competitors.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
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Capable
Having the ability or qualities necessary for a specific task.
She is capable of handling the project on her own.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
Capability
The ability or qualities to do something.
The smartphone's capability to handle complex tasks impresses me.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
Capability
The range of functions or actions possible.
This device has the capability of connecting to multiple networks.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
Capable
Having the capacity or potential for something.
The team is capable of winning the championship.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
Capable
Having capacity or ability; efficient and able
A capable administrator. See Usage Note at able.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Capability
Often capabilities A talent or ability that has potential for development or use
A student of great capabilities.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Capable
Having the ability required for a specific task or accomplishment; qualified
Capable of winning.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Capability
The capacity to be used, treated, or developed for a specific purpose
Nuclear capability.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Capable
Permitting an action to be performed
An error capable of remedy.
A camera capable of being used underwater.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Capability
The quality of being capable; capacity; capableness; esp. intellectual power or ability.
A capability to take a thousand views of a subject.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Capable
(obsolete) Of sufficient capacity or size for holding, containing, receiving or taking in; accessible to. Construed with of, for or an infinitive.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Capability
The quality of being capable -- physically or intellectually or legally;
He worked to the limits of his capability
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Capability
The susceptibility of something to a particular treatment;
The capability of a metal to be fused
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Capable
Possessing legal power or capacity; as, a man capable of making a contract, or a will.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Capable
(usually followed by `of') having capacity or ability;
Capable of winning
Capable of hard work
Capable of walking on two feet
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Capable
(followed by `of') having the temperament or inclination for;
No one believed her capable of murder
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Capable
Having the requisite qualities for;
Equal to the task
The work isn't up to the standard I require
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
FAQs
Is capability always about potential?
Yes, it often refers to potential abilities or qualities, not just current ones.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
Is capability only used in technical or business contexts?
No, it can be used in various contexts, but it's common in technical or strategic discussions.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
Can a person have capabilities they are not currently using?
Yes, capabilities can include dormant or untapped abilities.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
Does capable imply proficiency?
Yes, it suggests competence or skill in a particular area.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
Can capabilities change over time?
Yes, as skills are developed or circumstances change, capabilities can evolve.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
Can capable be used to describe things, not just people?
Yes, both people and objects can be described as capable.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
Can capability refer to a range of skills?
Yes, it often refers to a spectrum of potential abilities.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
Does being capable mean being the best at something?
Not necessarily. It means being sufficiently skilled or competent, not necessarily the best.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
Is being capable the same as being experienced?
Not exactly. Capability implies ability, while experience implies practice and familiarity.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
Is being capable enough to succeed?
Being capable is important, but success often requires more, like opportunity and effort.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
Is it possible to overestimate one's capabilities?
Yes, people can sometimes overestimate what they are capable of doing.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
Is capable always a positive description?
Generally, yes, it denotes effectiveness or competence.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
Can someone be capable in one area but not another?
Absolutely. Capability is often specific to certain tasks or fields.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 12, 2023
Do capabilities guarantee success?
Not always. They are potential abilities that need to be effectively utilized.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
Can organizations have capabilities?
Yes, organizations can have collective capabilities, like innovation or adaptability.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 12, 2023
Are capability and capacity the same?
Not exactly. Capacity often refers to volume or amount, while capability refers to ability.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
Can technology have capabilities?
Yes, technology can have capabilities in terms of features or functions.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
Does capable always refer to current abilities?
Typically, yes. It usually describes present-day skills or competencies.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
Can capabilities be innate or are they always learned?
They can be both innate and developed through learning and experience.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
Does capable imply independence?
Often, yes. It suggests the ability to perform tasks without needing help.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
