/euh bil"i tee/ , n. , pl. abilities .
1. power or capacity to do or act physically, mentally, legally, morally, financially, etc.
2. competence in an activity or occupation because of one's skill, training, or other qualification: the ability to sing well.
3. abilities , talents; special skills or aptitudes: Composing music is beyond his abilities.
[ 1350-1400; ME ( h ) abilite habilitas aptitude, equiv. to habili ( s ) handy (see ABLE) + -tas -TY 2 ; r. ME ablete ]
Syn. 1. capability; proficiency, expertness, dexterity. 2. ABILITY, FACULTY, TALENT denote qualifications or powers. ABILITY is a general word for power, native or acquired, enabling one to do things well: a person of great ability; ability in mathematics. FACULTY denotes a natural ability for a particular kind of action: a faculty of saying what he means. TALENT is often used to mean a native ability or aptitude in a special field: a talent for music or art.