-ability

Pronunciation

• US IPA: /əˈbɪl.É™.ti/

Alternative forms

• -ibility

Origin

From Middle English -ablete, -iblete, -abilite, -ibilite, from Middle French -ableté, -ibleté, -abilité, -ibilité, from Latin -abilitas, -ibilitas, from -abilis ("able") or -ibilis ("able") + -tas or -ty

Full definition of -ability

Suffix

1. Forms a noun from a verb; ability, inclination or suitability for a specified function or condition.

Usage notes

Most words ending in "ability" formed in English are first attested after corresponding words ending in "able".

Some words ending in "ability" are alterations of words of French origin ending in "abilité" or, possibly, Latin words ending in "abilitas".

Derived terms

Related terms