/əˈbɪləti/-/əˈbɪlɪti/ noun
someone’s level of skill at doing something
ADJECTIVES:
great/considerable ability
He was a young man of great ability.
These drawings required considerable ability on the part of the artist.
remarkable/outstanding/exceptional ability
a writer of remarkable ability
The company aims to select people of outstanding ability.
his exceptional ability as a swimmer
high/low/average ability
a group of low ability pupils
Many of these students are of above average ability.
Children of high ability demand more absorbing tasks.
mixed ability (=with students who have different levels of ability)
It can be difficult to teach a mixed ability class.
natural ability also innate ability formal (=one that you are born with)
The human body has a natural ability to fight infection.
Babies have an innate ability to do simple maths.
physical/athletic ability
He has considerable athletic ability.
mental ability
The exercises are supposed to help you improve your mental ability.
intellectual/academic ability
No one doubts his intellectual abilities.
A degree is evidence of your academic ability in a particular subject area.
mathematical ability
These students have a higher level of mathematical ability.
artistic/creative/musical ability
You do not need to have any artistic ability to do the course.
Johann showed great musical ability at an early age.
acting ability
Her acting abilities were obvious straightaway.
verbal/linguistic ability (=language skills)
The test is intended to measure the children’s linguistic ability.
an uncanny ability (=one that is unusual and difficult to explain)
He has an uncanny ability for spotting investment opportunities.
a unique/rare ability
The princess showed a unique ability to relate to ordinary people.
proven ability (=that you have proved through your achievements)
Companies often value the proven ability and reliability of older employees.
VERBS
have the ability to do sth also possess the ability to do sth formal
She has the ability to make people feel relaxed.
develop/acquire an ability to do sth
Students are encouraged to develop an ability to work independently.
show/demonstrate the ability to do sth
Jones quickly demonstrated his ability to score goals.
lack the ability to do sth
As a young man, he lacked the ability to communicate his feelings.
lose the ability to do sth
Roger lost the ability to walk following a horrific accident.
affect sb’s ability to do sth
The noise was affecting her ability to concentrate.
limit/reduce sb’s ability to do sth
He has a medical condition which limits his ability to work.
improve/increase sb’s ability to do sth
Surely anything which improves your ability to learn is a good thing.
PREPOSITIONS
ability in sth
Applicants for the job need to demonstrate an ability in English.
ability as sth
She thought they were criticizing her ability as a mother.
PHRASES
sb’s level of ability/ability level
The children were of the same age and ability level.
a range of ability/ability range
There is a wide range of ability within the class.
Disruptive behaviour is more prominent in the lower ability range.
a test of ability/ability test
Examinations are not always a good test of ability.
The class was given a verbal ability test.
an ability group (=a group that students are taught in, based on their level of ability)
Children are divided into different ability groups.
play/perform/do sth to the best of your ability (=as well as you can)
Players must perform to the best of their ability every week.