Definition of CAPABILITY
CAPABILITY Noun
Capability is a noun that refers to the ability or capacity to do something, often in terms of competence, power, or potential. It indicates an individual’s or entity’s inherent or acquired ability to perform certain actions or achieve specific outcomes. Capability is often associated with skills, resources, or conditions that enable someone or something to accomplish tasks or meet challenges. It can be applied to both personal qualities and external factors, such as technology, infrastructure, or organizational structures.
Skills and Competence: In the context of personal development, capability often refers to an individual’s skill set, knowledge, or proficiency in performing certain tasks. For example, “Her technical capability is evident in her ability to solve complex problems” highlights a person’s expertise or competence in a particular area. Capability in this sense encompasses a wide range of personal attributes, from intellectual capacity to physical skill, and is a key factor in determining an individual’s success in various endeavors, whether in education, career, or daily activities.
Organizational and Team Capability: Capability is also used in organizational contexts to describe the collective ability of a group, team, or company to perform tasks, achieve goals, or produce outcomes. For example, “The company’s capability to innovate has led to its success in the market” refers to the organization’s overall ability to create new products, adapt to changes, and remain competitive. Organizational capability includes resources, systems, processes, and the collective expertise of individuals working together to achieve strategic objectives.
Technological Capability: In the realm of technology, capability refers to the power or functionality of a system, device, or application to perform specific tasks. For example, “The smartphone’s capability to run multiple apps simultaneously is one of its key features” refers to the technological features and performance that allow a device to operate efficiently and meet user needs. Capability in technology can also refer to the potential for growth or improvement in performance over time as innovations and updates are made.
Capability in Business and Strategy: In business, capability is often tied to a company’s competitive edge or its capacity to adapt and thrive in dynamic markets. For example, “The firm’s operational capability enables it to scale quickly and meet customer demand” emphasizes the company’s ability to execute tasks efficiently and adjust to new market conditions. In strategic planning, identifying and leveraging key capabilities is essential for long-term success and growth, as businesses seek to maximize their potential in various markets.
Capability and Potential: Capability is closely linked to the concept of potential, especially when discussing future achievements or possibilities. For example, “She has the capability to lead a team, but she needs more experience” implies that while a person may have the inherent potential to excel in a leadership role, their current abilities may not yet fully align with the demands of the role. The idea of capability as potential highlights the distinction between what is currently possible and what could be achieved with further development, training, or resources.
Capability vs. Capacity: While capability and capacity are sometimes used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings in certain contexts. Capability typically refers to an ability or skill, while capacity refers to the maximum potential or extent to which something can function. For example, “The machine’s capacity is 100 units per hour, but its capability to adapt to different product types is impressive” shows how the two concepts are related but focus on different aspects of performance. Capability is often more flexible and dynamic, whereas capacity is about limits or boundaries.
Capability Development: Developing capability involves acquiring new skills, resources, or technologies to improve performance or expand potential. For example, “The company invested in training programs to enhance employee capability” reflects a deliberate effort to increase the skill set and productivity of individuals within an organization. Capability development is essential in both personal and professional growth, as it prepares individuals and organizations to meet future challenges and opportunities effectively.
Capability in Problem Solving: Capability is crucial in problem-solving scenarios, where it represents the ability to find solutions, address challenges, and make decisions. For instance, “The team’s analytical capability allowed them to identify the root cause of the issue” highlights the use of intellectual or technical skills to overcome obstacles. The broader concept of capability in this context refers to the resources, tools, and mental faculties needed to approach problems systematically and creatively.
Global and Environmental Capability
Capability can also refer to the potential or ability of systems, societies, or nations to handle challenges on a global scale. For example, “The country’s environmental capability to manage natural resources effectively is critical to its sustainable development” focuses on the resources, policies, and strategies that enable a nation or group to address complex global issues such as climate change, economic disparity, or public health.
In conclusion, capability is a multifaceted term that refers to the ability, potential, or competence to perform specific tasks or achieve desired outcomes. Whether applied to individuals, organizations, technologies, or even nations, capability encompasses the skills, resources, and conditions that enable success and growth. It is an essential concept in fields ranging from personal development to business strategy, technology, and global challenges. By recognizing and enhancing capabilities, individuals and organizations can unlock new opportunities, solve complex problems, and navigate the challenges of the future.
Examples of CAPABILITY in a sentence
- The new machine has the capability to process orders much faster than the old one.
- His leadership capability was evident when he successfully guided the team through a difficult project.
- The company is working to expand its capability to offer more services to international clients.
- The software’s capability to handle multiple tasks at once makes it very efficient for business operations.
- The athlete’s capability in various sports has earned her recognition in the national team.
- The capability of the new phone includes a high-resolution camera and long battery life.
- They are investing in the capability to perform real-time data analysis for better decision-making.
- The capability of the aircraft to fly at high altitudes is crucial for long-distance international flights.
Origin of CAPABILITY
The word capability has an etymological history that traces its roots from expressing potential ability to its modern use as a term for power, skill, or capacity.
Semantic Context: Capability is a noun used to describe the ability or potential to do something. It often refers to the capacity to perform a task, achieve a goal, or develop a skill, whether related to physical, mental, or technical qualities. It can also describe the inherent potential of a system, individual, or object to perform certain functions or tasks.
- Etymological Roots: The word capability comes from the Latin noun “capabilitas,” which is derived from “capabilis,” meaning “able to hold” or “able to take,” from “capere,” meaning “to take” or “to seize.” The suffix “-ity” is added to form a noun denoting a state or condition. The Latin “capabilis” evolved into the Old French “capabilitée,” which conveyed the meaning of “the quality of being able.” In English, capability first appeared in the late 16th century, retaining the meaning of the capacity or power to do something.
- Historical Development: The concept of capability has been integral to discussions about human potential and mechanical or technological power since its earliest use. Initially, it was used to describe a person’s or a group’s potential to perform tasks or achieve certain feats. By the 17th century, the term began to encompass broader contexts, including military, industrial, and intellectual domains. As technological advancements progressed, capability also came to refer to the potential of machines and systems, particularly in the context of engineering and manufacturing. Over time, the term expanded to include not just the ability to perform but also the inherent resources or power needed to do so effectively.
- Cultural and Technological Applications: In modern usage, capability is often used to describe both individual and collective potential in a wide variety of fields. In personal development and psychology, capability refers to an individual’s ability to learn, adapt, or perform certain tasks. In technology, it refers to the functions that a machine or system can perform. For example, a computer’s capabilities might include processing data, running programs, or connecting to the internet. In business and industry, capability often refers to the resources, expertise, or infrastructure that allow a company or organization to operate successfully. Similarly, in military contexts, capability refers to the potential of a nation or force to engage in specific operations or missions, such as defense capabilities.
- Current Usage: Today, capability is widely used across multiple disciplines to describe the potential or capacity to perform specific tasks or functions. In general terms, it refers to what someone or something is able to do, as in “She has the capability to lead the project.” It is also used in business to discuss organizational strengths, such as “Our company’s technological capabilities are advanced.” In technology and engineering, capability refers to the specific functions a system or product can perform, such as “This smartphone has the capability to support 5G networks.” The term is frequently used in a comparative sense, to measure or assess the ability of individuals, groups, or systems against certain standards or benchmarks.
The term capability reflects the potential to perform, whether that is related to human skill, machine function, or organizational power. It is an essential concept in evaluating performance, development, and progress in various fields, from personal growth to technological innovation. Its widespread use across multiple domains underscores its importance in understanding and enhancing what can be achieved, both individually and collectively.
Synonyms
- Ability
- Skill
- Competence
- Capacity
- Proficiency
- Talent
- Power
- Expertise
Antonyms
- Inability
- Incapacity
- Incompetence
- Powerlessness
- Ineptitude
- Weakness
- Unfitness
- Deficiency
Related
- Potential
- Aptitude
- Efficiency
- Qualification
- Mastery
- Strength
- Resourcefulness
- Expertise
🌐 🇬🇧 CAPABILITY in other languages
Spanish 🇪🇸 | Capacidad |
French 🇫🇷 | Capacité |
German 🇩🇪 | Fähigkeit |
Chinese (simpl) 🇨🇳 | 能力 |
Chinese (trad) 🇨🇳 | 能力 |
Italian 🇮🇹 | Capacità |
Portuguese 🇵🇹 | Capacidade |
Dutch 🇳🇱 | Vermogen |
Swedish 🇸🇪 | Förmåga |
Norwegian 🇳🇴 | Evne |
Finnish 🇫🇮 | Kyky |
Romanian 🇷🇴 | Capacitate |
Polish 🇵🇱 | Capacitate |
Hungarian 🇭🇺 | Képesség |
Czech 🇨🇿 | Schopnost |
Bulgarian 🇧🇬 | Възможност |
Ukrainian 🇺🇦 | Можливість |
Russian 🇷🇺 | Возможность |
Turkish 🇹🇷 | Yetenek |
Azerbaijani 🇦🇿 | Bacarıq |
Armenian 🇦🇲 | Հնարավորություն |
Arabic 🇸🇦 | القدرة |
Hebrew 🇮🇱 | יְכוֹלֶת |
Urdu 🇵🇰 | قابلیت |
Farsi/Persian 🇮🇷 | قابلیت |
Hindi 🇮🇳 | क्षमता |
Bengaleli/se 🇧🇩 | সামর্থ্য |
Marathi 🇮🇳 | क्षमता |
Telugu 🇮🇳 | సామర్ధ్యం |
Tamil 🇮🇳 | திறன் |
Gujarati 🇮🇳 | ક્ષમતા |
Kannada 🇮🇳 | ಸಾಮರ್ಥ್ಯ |
Odia (Orya) 🇮🇳 | ସାମର୍ଥ୍ୟ | |
Malayalam 🇮🇳 | കഴിവ് |
Punjabi 🇮🇳 | ਸਮਰੱਥਾ |
Sinhala/ese 🇱🇰 | හැකියාව |
Nepali 🇳🇵 | क्षमता |
Burmese 🇲🇲 | စွမ်းဆောင်ရည် |
Thai 🇹🇭 | ความสามารถ |
Vietnamese 🇻🇳 | Khả năng |
Malay 🇲🇾 | Keupayaan |
Indonesian 🇮🇩 | Kemampuan |
Tagalog 🇵🇭 | Kakayahan |
Japanese 🇯🇵 | 能力 |
Korean 🇰🇷 | 능력 |
Oromo 🇪🇹 | Dandeettii |
Somali 🇸🇴 | Kartida |
Amharic 🇪🇹 | ችሎታ |
Swahili 🇹🇿 | Uwezo |
Yoruba 🇳🇬 | Agbara |
Popular Searches
self entitlement meaning • ludic meaning • party lover meaning • frolicsome ludic • yarn definition • discreet scrutiny meaning • pattern definition • snichen • scientist • what are yarns • definition of self-centeredness •