capability

capability — noun

1. the natural or learned skill, power, or quality needed to achieve a particular r

1.名詞C1
釋義

the natural or learned skill, power, or quality needed to achieve a particular result — for example, a young child's capability to learn two languages at once, or an engineer's capability for solving complex problems under pressure.

例句

The new software gives the team the capability to analyse thousands of data points.

capability + to-infinitive for ability to do something

Ravi's capability for handling difficult customers quickly earned him a promotion.

capability + for + gerund

同義詞
  • ability

    more general; capability emphasises potential or scope of what can be achieved

  • capacity

    often used for maximum amount or volume, not always personal skill

  • competence

    focuses on the required level of knowledge or skill for a task, more formal

反義詞
  • inability

    the state of not being able to do something

文法句型

capability + to-infinitive

capability + for + noun/gerund

capability + of + noun/gerund

用法筆記

Frequently followed by a to-infinitive (capability to do something) or by for + gerund (capability for doing something). The pattern with of + gerund is also possible but less common. Unlike ability, capability often carries a sense of potential or future use rather than a currently demonstrated skill.

常見錯誤

❌She has the capability of speak three languages.
✅She has the capability to speak three languages.
💡capability is followed by to-infinitive or for + gerund, not of + bare infinitive.
❌This machine has the ability to process 500 units per hour.' (when referring to a machine's designed function, capability is more natural)
✅This machine has the capability to process 500 units per hour.
💡capability is preferred for technical or designed capacities.

2. the total military strength of a nation or group, including weapons, equipment,

2.名詞
釋義

the total military strength of a nation or group, including weapons, equipment, soldiers, and the ability to use them effectively in combat.

例句

The two nations agreed to reduce their nuclear capability as part of the peace treaty.

military collocation: nuclear / military / defensive capability

Intelligence reports showed that the rebel forces had expanded their offensive capability with new drones.

同義詞
  • military strength

    broader, includes economic factors that support the military

  • firepower

    narrower — refers specifically to the quantity of weapons and ammunition available

文法句型

military/nuclear/defensive capability

capability in + noun

用法筆記

In this military sense, capability is nearly always used with an attributive adjective specifying the type of military power (nuclear, offensive, defensive, naval, etc.). It is rarely used alone without a modifier. Distinguish from sense 1 (ABILITY): if the context involves war, weapons, or armed forces, this is likely the intended sense.