ability

English translation unavailable for ability.

ability

ability [noun]
US /əˈbɪl.ə.t̬i/ 
UK /əˈbɪl.ə.ti/ 
Example: 

He does not have the ability to manage this large company. 

the physical or mental power or skill needed to do something

Persian equivalent: 
Example: 

He does not have the ability to manage this large company. 

Oxford Essential Dictionary

ability

 noun (plural abilities)
the power and knowledge to do something:
She has the ability to pass the exam, but she must work harder.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

ability

ability S2 W1 /əˈbɪləti, əˈbɪlɪti/ BrE AmE noun (plural abilities)
[Word Family: noun: ability ≠ inability, disability; adjective: able ≠ unable, disabled; verb: enable ≠ disable; adverb: ably]
[Date: 1400-1500; Language: Old French; Origin: habilité, from Latin habilitas, from habilis; ⇨ able]
1. [countable] the state of being able to do something
ability to do something
the ability to walk
The health center serves all patients, regardless of their ability to pay.
2. [uncountable and countable] someone’s level of skill at doing something:
The test measures your mathematical ability.
mixed ability classes
of high/low etc ability
students of average ability
There are musicians of all abilities.
somebody's abilities as something
He showed his abilities as a leader.
3. to the best of your ability as well as you can:
He completed the job to the best of his ability.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meanings 1 & 2)
■ adjectives
high/low/average ability a group of low ability pupils | Many of these students are of above average ability. | Children of high ability demand more absorbing tasks.
great/considerable ability He was a young man of great ability. | These drawings required considerable ability on the part of the artist.
remarkable/outstanding/exceptional ability a writer of remarkable ability | The company aims to select people of outstanding ability. | his exceptional ability as a swimmer
mixed ability (=at different levels) a mixed ability class
uncanny ability (=an unusual ability that is difficult to explain) He has an uncanny ability for spotting investment opportunities.
natural ability (also innate ability formal) (=an ability that you are born with) He didn't have the natural ability of his brother. | Babies have an innate ability to do simple maths.
physical/athletic ability He has considerable athletic ability.
artistic/creative ability You do not need to have any artistic ability.
musical ability Tim showed musical ability at an early age.
acting ability Her acting abilities were obvious straightaway.
mental ability The exercises are supposed to help you improve your mental ability.
intellectual/academic ability No one doubts his intellectual abilities. | A degree is evidence of your academic ability in a particular subject area.
verbal/linguistic ability (=language skills) The test is intended to measure the children's linguistic ability.
mathematical ability These students have a higher level of mathematical ability.
proven ability (=that you have proved through your achievements) Companies often value the proven ability and reliability of older employees.
■ verbs
have the ability to do something (also possess the ability to do something formal) She has the ability to make people feel relaxed.
show/demonstrate the ability to do something a chance for candidates to demonstrate their abilities
lack the ability to do something As a young man, he lacked the ability to say no.
■ phrases
a level of ability/ability level The children were of the same age and ability level.
a range of ability/ability range There is a wide range of ability within the class. | Disruptive behaviour is more prominent in the lower ability range.
a test of ability/an ability test Examinations are not always a good test of ability. | The class was given a verbal ability test.
an ability group (=a group that students are taught in, based on their level of ability) Children are divided into different ability groups.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

ability

 

 

abil·ity [ability abilities]   [əˈbɪləti]    [əˈbɪləti]  noun (pl. abil·ities)
1. singular ~ to do sth the fact that sb/sth is able to do sth
The system has the ability to run more than one program at the same time.
Everyone has the right to good medical care regardless of their ability to pay.
• A gentle form of exercise will increase your ability to relax.

Opp:  inability

2. countable, uncountable a level of skill or intelligence
Almost everyone has some musical ability.
He was a man of extraordinary abilities.
students of mixed abilities
A woman of her ability will easily find a job.
I try to do my job to the best of my ability (= as well as I can).  
Word Origin:
late Middle English: from Old French ablete, from Latin habilitas, from habilis ‘able’.  
Thesaurus:
ability noun
1. sing., U
the ability to learn
capabilitycapacitypower
Opp: inability
the ability/capability/capacity/power to do sth
beyond/within your ability/capability/capacity/power
2. U, C
a child's natural abilities
talentgiftskillexpertiseaptitudecompetenceproficiencyartflair|informal knackknow-how|formal prowess
a natural ability/talent/gift/skill/aptitude/flair
(a) special ability/talent/gift/skill/expertise/aptitude 
Example Bank:
Fox's abilities were soon recognized.
I seem to have lost my ability to attract clients.
I taught a wide range of abilities.
It is much more difficult to teach a mixed-ability class.
It's important to discover the natural abilities of each child.
She showed a high level of ability as a runner.
She showed great ability in mathematics.
The school does nothing for children of high ability.
There was a high level of ability among the school leavers.
We will keep you informed to the best of our ability.
discovering the natural abilities of each child
• Are you used to teaching students of mixed abilities?

• I try to do the job to the best of my ability.

 

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

ability / əˈbɪl.ɪ.ti /   / -ə.t̬i / noun [ C or U ]

B1 the physical or mental power or skill needed to do something:

There's no doubting her ability.

[ + to infinitive ] She had the ability to explain things clearly and concisely.

She's a woman of considerable abilities.

I have children in my class of very mixed abilities (= different levels of skill or intelligence) .

a mixed-ability class

Word partners for ability

demonstrate / have / possess ability • lack ability • lose the ability to do sth • affect / limit sb's ability to do sth • innate / instinctive / natural ability • amazing / remarkable / uncanny ability • proven ability

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

ability

[əbɪ̱lɪti]
 ♦♦
 abilities

 1) N-SING: N to-inf, oft with poss Your ability to do something is the fact that you can do it.
  The public never had faith in his ability to handle the job...
  He has the ability to bring out the best in others.
  Syn:
  capability
 2) N-VAR: oft with poss Your ability is the quality or skill that you have which makes it possible for you to do something.
  Her drama teacher spotted her ability...
  I have confidence in the ability of the players...
  They repeatedly questioned his leadership abilities...
  Does the school cater for all abilities?
 3) PHRASE If you do something to the best of your abilities or to the best of your ability, you do it as well as you can.
  I take care of them to the best of my abilities...
  They tackled them to the best of their ability.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

ability

abil·i·ty /əˈbɪləti/ noun, pl -ties : the power or skill to do something

[count]

• a young woman with many remarkable musical/artistic/athletic abilities
- often followed by to + verb
• a teacher with an ability to inspire his students
• Does he have the ability [=authority] to fire employees?
• a writer's ability [=capability, capacity] to interest readers

[noncount]

• a young woman of great musical/artistic/athletic ability
• She has shown some ability with foreign languages.
• He always works to the best of his ability. [=as well as he can]

Problems

  1. What's the worst problem you have ever had?
  2. What is your first reaction to problems? Do you panic/ analyze it/ run to someone to talk and get help?
  3. Are you quick at solving your problems or does it take you quite a time to think of a solution?
  4. When do you usually refer to a consultant? To what extent do you trust them?
  5. Is there anyone who is always ready to help you with your problems?
  6. Do you usually help people with their problems?
  7. Are you creative in problem solving?

Retirement

  1. What is the age of retirement in your country? Is it different for men and women?
  2. Have you ever thought of this stage of your life? What are some of your thoughts?
  3. Have you planned for your retirement or will you ever plan for it?
  4. Do you think people have to get retired at a certain age or according to their ability?
  5. What are your goals before you retire?
  6. Do you think retired people miss their jobs? How about you, will you?
  7. What are some difficulties that retired people have?
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