abilities

"Abilities" is the plural form of "ability" — a word you will encounter constantly in everyday life, school, and work. It has a couple of closely related but distinct senses worth knowing.

1nounskill or talent

When you are good at doing something — maybe you draw well, speak multiple languages, or solve problems quickly — those are your abilities. Think of them as the things you *can do well*. Everyone has a different set of abilities.

everyday language, education, work · Modern, widely used

She has strong musical abilities and plays three instruments.

The coach was impressed by the young player's natural abilities.

The job requires good communication abilities.

2nouncapacity or power to do something

Sometimes 'abilities' refers more generally to the *power or capacity* to do something — not necessarily a trained skill, but just whether you are capable of it at all. For example, a person's ability to walk, to concentrate, or to make decisions.

everyday language, medicine, psychology · Modern, widely used

The illness affected his ability to concentrate.

Children develop their abilities to read and write at different ages.

She never doubted her own abilities, even when things were difficult.

3nounlevel of intelligence or academic potential

In schools and education, 'abilities' often refers specifically to how quickly or easily someone can learn. Teachers might group students by ability, meaning by how advanced or fast-learning they are.

education · Modern, widely used

Students of all abilities are welcome in this class.

The test is designed to measure a child's academic abilities.

He was a student of high ability who finished tasks faster than others.