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capability

n.
US //ˌkeɪpəˈbɪɫəti// UK //kˌeɪpəbˈɪlɪti// ca·pa·bil·i·ty
  1. 1 ability to do something (n.)
    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.

    Example

    The new software has the capability to translate text into fifty different languages.

    Example

    The company's long-term success depends on its capability to innovate faster than its global competitors in the renewable energy sector.
  2. 2 military/technical power (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    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.

    Example

    The country is trying to improve its defensive capabilities against cyber attacks.

    Example

    The treaty was designed to limit the nuclear capabilities of both nations to prevent further escalation of the conflict.
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  1. 3 computing security (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Computing

    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.

    Example

    The system administrator granted the user a capability to edit the database.

    Example

    In a capability-based security model, a process can only perform an action if it possesses a token specifically granting that right.

    Usage

    Often used in the context of object-based security models.
Origin

Formed in Modern English as capable + -ity.

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