capabilities

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "capabilities" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person or group's ability to do something. For example, "This company has incredible capabilities and is capable of delivering outstanding results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Hacking is one of the most intrusive surveillance capabilities available to any intelligence agency, and its use and safeguards surrounding it should be the subject of proper debate.

The Guardian

We must plan for the leaders with the capabilities needed in place ahead of time.

The Guardian

And core to these capabilities and to the strategy for developing them is a recognition that we need collective leadership.

The Guardian

The premium iPhone-only smartwatch has more capabilities than most with a heart rate sensor and the ability to tap you on the wrist rather than simply shaking.

The Guardian - Tech

Their recommendation that this new legal framework must be based on an explicit avowal of intrusive surveillance capabilities and spell out authorisation procedures, privacy constraints, transparence requirements, targeting criteria and the rest is also significant.

The Guardian

It's nothing to do with my capabilities that I'm not there, it's purely circumstance but it is no drama.

The Guardian - Sport

I don't know if that exists in all the other states that use their intelligence capability or military capability in that fashion… they certainly are incredible capabilities but they need to be used for the right purposes".

The Guardian - Tech

She must have the opportunity to express her capabilities … Public TV should not, in my opinion, be sending out the message, 'look … you can become someone if you're beautiful'.

The Guardian

The biggest questions facing us are economic – how you create a low-carbon economy, how you cut the financial sector down to size and curb its hyena-like destructive capabilities.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is a certain robustness required for that, and it would be accurate to say that a collective confidence comes when players are sure of the capabilities and intentions of the teammates beside them.

The Guardian - Sport

I have doubted Miliband's capabilities and personality, but I believe if he can handle Russell Brand, he can handle anything!" Andrew: "I think Ed Miliband has played an absolute blinder by being interviewed by one of the most vocal celebrities of our time.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "capabilities", be specific. Instead of saying a team has "capabilities", detail the specific skills and resources they possess, like "expertise in data analysis and access to advanced software tools."

Common error

Avoid exaggerating "capabilities". It's better to under-promise and over-deliver. Instead of claiming "unlimited capabilities", focus on what can realistically be achieved with current resources and expertise.

Linguistic Context

The term "capabilities" functions primarily as a noun, often in the plural form, denoting the potential or existing abilities of a person, organization, or system. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples highlighting diverse usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "capabilities" functions as a noun referring to potential or existing abilities. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent and correct usage in various contexts, primarily news, business, and technical domains. It’s crucial to be specific when using "capabilities", detailing the exact skills or resources you are referencing. Avoid overstating them to maintain credibility and accuracy. The term appears with a neutral tone, suitable for professional and informative communication. Related terms include "potential", "skills", and "resources", offering alternative ways to express the concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

potential abilities

Emphasizes the undeveloped talents that could be brought into play.

achievable potential

Highlights the potential that can be realized.

existing skills

Highlights the developed talents one possesses.

inherent capacities

Stresses the innate qualities that allow for specific actions.

demonstrated aptitudes

Highlights the qualities that have already been proven.

available resources

Focuses on the tangible assets that enable action.

functional competencies

Focuses on skills necessary for a particular job or task.

technical proficiencies

Highlights expert skills, especially in science or technology.

practical know-how

Emphasizes hands-on experience and skill.

strategic assets

Stresses resources that contribute to overall aims.

FAQs

How to use "capabilities" in a sentence?

You can use "capabilities" to describe the potential or abilities of an individual, team, organization, or system. For example, "The new software enhances the system's "data processing capabilities"".

What can I say instead of "capabilities"?

You can use alternatives like "potential", "skills", "abilities", "resources", or "competencies" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "capabilitys" instead of "capabilities"?

No, "capabilitys" is not the correct plural form. The correct plural of capability is "capabilities".

What's the difference between "capabilities" and "capacities"?

"Capabilities" refer to the potential or abilities to perform specific tasks or functions, while "capacities" refer to the maximum amount that something can contain or produce. For example, a factory's production "capacity" might be 1000 units per day, while its workforce has the "capabilities" to design new products.