ability to satisfy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to satisfy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's capacity or capability to meet needs, desires, or requirements. Example: "The company's ability to satisfy customer demands is crucial for its success in the competitive market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Griesemer et al. also argue that the Hoyle conditions may conflict: satisfying one may limit the ability to satisfy others.

SEP

Still, doubts remain over Lucent's ability to satisfy its lenders.

The New York Times

The trick of the film may well be an exemplary ability to satisfy all camps.

The Guardian - Film

Investors feared Argentina's inconsistent ability to satisfy IMF demands and decided to stop lending.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the country's expectations soon exceeded its ability to satisfy them.

The New York Times - Books

■ The length of a man's penis has no bearing on his ability to satisfy his partner.

The New York Times

I was given the keys to the castle, the ability to satisfy my largest appetite.

The New York Times

But it seems more concerned about its own voracious energy needs, and Iran's ability to satisfy them.

The New York Times

Menger believed that value is completely subjective: a product's value is found in its ability to satisfy human wants.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"His ability to satisfy you on that score only shows that his skill in making explanations is considerable," Judge Chatfield said.

The New Yorker

While Mr. Bloomberg's popularity has increased, the convention promises to test his ability to satisfy an electorate that is overwhelmingly Democratic.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing performance or potential, use "ability to satisfy" to emphasize the capability to meet specific requirements or expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "ability to satisfy" when the evidence for such a capability is weak or nonexistent. Overstating capabilities can damage credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to satisfy" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the capacity or power to fulfill requirements or desires. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ability to satisfy" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the capacity to meet needs or demands. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific publications, often with a neutral to formal register. While alternatives like "capacity to fulfill" and "capability to meet" exist, the best choice depends on the specific nuance desired. When using "ability to satisfy", ensure that the evidence supports the claim and avoid overstating capabilities. Understanding its function and purpose will enhance writing precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to fulfill

Emphasizes the potential or maximum amount that can be fulfilled.

capability to meet

Highlights the inherent skill or competence in meeting requirements.

competence to deliver

Focuses on the demonstrated proficiency in delivering expected outcomes.

means to gratify

Highlights the resources or methods available to bring satisfaction.

power to appease

Implies the strength or influence needed to bring peace or satisfaction.

potential to content

Suggests the latent possibility of creating contentment or satisfaction.

aptitude to indulge

Focuses on the natural inclination or talent for providing indulgence.

skill to satiate

Emphasizes the developed expertise in fully satisfying desires.

resourcefulness to cater

Highlights the ability to find creative solutions to meet specific needs.

facility to accommodate

Focuses on the ease and readiness in adjusting to meet varied demands.

FAQs

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

You can use "ability to satisfy" to describe a person's, organization's, or system's capacity to meet needs or demands, as in "The company's success depends on its "ability to satisfy" customer expectations".

What are some alternatives to "ability to satisfy"?

Alternatives include "capacity to fulfill", "capability to meet", or "competence to deliver" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "ability to satisfy" or "capacity to satisfy"?

Both "ability" and "capacity" are suitable, but "ability" generally refers to the power or skill to do something, while "capacity" refers to the potential to hold or contain. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize skill or potential.

What's the difference between "ability to satisfy" and "willingness to satisfy"?

"Ability to satisfy" refers to the capability or competence to meet needs, while "willingness to satisfy" refers to the readiness or desire to do so. One focuses on the can, the other on the will.