ability to overcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to overcome" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the trait of being able to face and succeed in difficult situations. For example, "The team demonstrated an impressive ability to overcome the obstacles they faced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Furyk impressed with his ability to overcome a slow start.

The New York Times - Sports

Because he trusts his ability to overcome it.

The Guardian - Sport

My truest disability has been my ability to overcome my physical disability.

The New York Times

Her ability to overcome tragedya child who died of leukemia and many life adversities.

The New York Times

But his ability to overcome each obstacle produced more confidence, more determination.

The New York Times - Sports

Yesterday's round was not a classic, but it displayed Woods's explosive ability to overcome adversity.

The New York Times - Sports

And Stanley's triumphant ability to overcome it is part of the books appeal.

The Guardian

"South Africa have the ability to overcome those tactics," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

"Our resiliency and our ability to overcome crises is going to be tested again".

The New York Times - Sports

Flights like these demonstrated aviation's ability to overcome geographic barriers and shrink time-distance relationships.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Their own condition and ability to overcome their own problems matters," – explains Tetyana.

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's or group's resilience, pair "ability to overcome" with specific examples of their past successes. This adds credibility and impact to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "ability to overcome" as a general compliment. Always provide concrete examples or context to support the claim. Without evidence, it becomes a vague and meaningless statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to overcome" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a quality or characteristic. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, denoting the trait of successfully navigating challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ability to overcome" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the capacity to succeed despite challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its presence is observed across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business, with primary usage in News & Media and Science. To maximize impact, remember to provide specific examples when using the phrase and avoid overgeneralizations. The alternative phrases presented offer nuanced options for conveying similar meanings, and understanding the context is essential for choosing the most appropriate wording.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to surmount

Emphasizes the inherent potential to overcome challenges; uses a more formal synonym for "overcome".

skill in conquering

Highlights the learned proficiency in overcoming obstacles, focusing on expertise.

talent for prevailing

Suggests a natural aptitude for succeeding despite difficulties; "prevailing" is a stronger term for success.

power to triumph

Focuses on the strength and authority needed to achieve victory; uses a more dramatic verb.

strength to withstand

Emphasizes the fortitude required to endure and resist challenges.

resourcefulness in addressing

Highlights the creative problem-solving aspect of dealing with difficulties effectively.

knack for navigating

Suggests a clever and skillful way of moving through complex situations.

potential for resolving

Focuses on the capability to find solutions and settle problems.

aptitude for managing

Emphasizes the organizational and leadership skills required to handle challenges.

preparedness for tackling

Highlights the proactive readiness to confront and deal with upcoming difficulties.

FAQs

How can I use "ability to overcome" in a sentence?

You can use "ability to overcome" to describe someone's resilience in challenging situations. For example, "Her "ability to overcome" adversity is truly inspiring."

What are some alternatives to "ability to overcome"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "capacity to surmount", "skill in conquering", or "talent for prevailing".

Is it better to say "ability to overcome" or "capacity to overcome"?

Both "ability to overcome" and "capacity to overcome" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Ability" often refers to a developed skill, while "capacity" implies potential. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "ability to overcome" and "willingness to overcome"?

"Ability to overcome" refers to the actual capability or skill to succeed in difficult situations, while "willingness to overcome" refers to the motivation or determination to do so. Both are important for achieving success, but they represent different aspects of resilience.