ability synonyms

ability

n.

  1. Capacity to act

    aptitude, intelligence, innate qualities, capacity, sense, powers, potency, worth, talent, gift, genius, flair, mind for, ingenuity, bent, strength, understanding, faculty, comprehension, knack, makings, brains, head, what it takes*, the stuff*, the right stuff*, hang of*.

    Antonyms inability*, ineptitude*, awkwardness. *

  2. Power that results from capacity

    capability, eligibility, competence, proficiency, adeptness, qualification(s), knowledge, strength, sufficiency, self-sufficiency, efficacy, expertise, tact, finish, technique, craft, skill, artistry, cunning, expertness, skillfulness, aptness, dexterity, facility, finesse, mastery, quickness, cleverness, deftness, handiness, experience, readiness, adroitness, artifice, energy, background, know-how*, savvy*, touch*, the goods*.

    Antonyms ignorance*, incompetence*, inexperience.

Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.