capability
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the power or ability to do something or reach a goal.
the quality or state of being capable; the power or ability to generate a specific outcome.
Simple“The new software has the capability to translate text into fifty different languages.”
In context“The company's long-term success depends on its capability to innovate faster than its global competitors in the renewable energy sector.”
Antonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
the specific things a country's military or a large machine can do.
the total facilities, resources, or forces available for a specific purpose, often used in military or industrial contexts.
Simple“The country is trying to improve its defensive capabilities against cyber attacks.”
In context“The treaty was designed to limit the nuclear capabilities of both nations to prevent further escalation of the conflict.”
- 03 C2 Proficiency
a digital key that lets a user or program access a specific file or part of a computer.
a digital token or key that allows a user or process to interact with a specific object under access control.
Simple“The system administrator granted the user a capability to edit the database.”
In context“In a capability-based security model, a process can only perform an action if it possesses a token specifically granting that right.”
UsageOften used in the context of object-based security models.
Synonyms
Usage have capability
“They will incorporate exercises to counter drones, GPS disruption, and cyberattacks as the US and its allies adapt to North Korea’s evolving capabilities.”
“The firm has promised to invest billions of dollars in AI capabilities and workforce training.”
Formed in Modern English as capable + -ity.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.