ability

The skill or power needed to do something.

• He has great musical ability.
• The course will improve your ability to read quickly.
• Children develop different abilities as they grow.

How to use it: ability to do something (She has the ability to explain difficult ideas clearly.)

Similar words: skill, capacity, capability

Opposites: inability

Common phrases: reading ability, natural ability, ability to learn, ability to change

How well someone can do something, or a natural skill they have.

• She has great musical ability.
• The teacher grouped students by ability.
• His ability to solve problems impressed us.

How to use it: ability to do something (She has the ability to explain difficult ideas clearly.)

Similar words: skill, talent, aptitude

Opposites: inability

Common phrases: natural ability, musical ability, ability to learn