# capable

/ˈkeɪpəbəɫ/ (US) · /kˈeɪpəbəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/capable
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. skilled and efficient

adjective · CEFR B2

having the ability, power, or qualities to do something well.

For teachers: possessing the necessary skills, intelligence, or fitness to perform a task effectively.

- The new manager is very capable and has already improved the team's results.
- The department requires a highly capable administrator who can navigate complex regulatory frameworks while maintaining staff morale.

Usage: Usually followed by the preposition 'of' when describing a specific action.

### 2. having potential

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

having the qualities needed for a certain development or treatment.

For teachers: having the susceptibility or capacity for a specified treatment, improvement, or interpretation.

- This old house is capable of improvement if you have the budget.
- The legal text is capable of several different interpretations, which has led to significant confusion in the lower courts.

Usage: Almost always used in the pattern 'capable of [noun]'.

## Examples

- She is a very capable manager who gets things done.
- The engineering team proved they were capable of handling the complex project under a tight deadline.
- While he lacked formal training, his years of practical experience made him more than capable of navigating the intricate legal requirements of the new trade agreement.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.