Synonyms for capacity
Most common
ability capability competence competency space size role function
Synonyms by meaning
Noun
1. Capability — capability; the ability to perform some task
capability, power, competence, ability, talent, skill, competency, facility, efficiency, faculty, potential, aptitude, quality, reach, caliber US, calibre UK, readiness, sufficiency, character, might, prowess, dexterity, qualification
Other
function, role, throughput, thruput US, charge, charre UK, tonnage, office, burden, department, brains, sphere, capacitance, accommodation
Definitions
- n. 1
Capability; the ability to perform some task.
- n. 2
The ability to hold, receive, or absorb.
Related words
Forms
- Plural
- capacities → capabilities, powers, competences, abilities…
Choose the right word
Our abilities include our natural capacity, faculties, and talents, with all the dexterity, skill, and readiness that can be acquired.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- ability He exceeds all his brothers in scholastic ability.
- capability No one knows Morocco's true combat capability.
- competence Ted doesn't have the competence to teach English.
- competency I'm casting aspersions on his competency as a statistician.
- space It won't be long before we can enjoy space travel.
- size Indicate size, color, and style on the order form.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| capacity | falling | |
| ability | rising | |
| capability | falling | |
| competence | steady | |
| competency | steady | |
| space | steady |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 4 letters
- room1, role1, size1
- 5 letters
- might1, power2, space1, reach1, skill1
- 6 letters
- office2, charge1, volume2, talent2, burden2, brains1, sphere1, charre
- 7 letters
- quality3, ability4, measure2, faculty3, caliber3, prowess2, calibre, tonnage2, thruput
- 8 letters
- function2, facility4, aptitude3
- 9 letters
- character3, potential3, readiness3, amplitude3, dexterity4
- 10 letters
- department3, efficiency4, capability5, competence3, competency4, throughput2
- 11 letters
- measurement3, sufficiency4, capacitance4
- 13 letters
- accommodation5, qualification5
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (power2 = 2 syllables).