Capability is the power or ability to do something. When someone has the capability to solve complex math problems, they possess the skills and knowledge needed to tackle them. When a smartphone has the capability to take high-quality photos, it's built with the right technology to do so.

The word often emphasizes capacity that exists right now, ready to be used. A young chess player might have the capability to become a champion someday because she already shows strong strategic thinking. A research laboratory has the capability to develop new medicines because it has the right equipment, scientists, and resources.

Capability is closely related to potential. Potential is about what could happen with the right development and circumstances. Capability is about what someone or something is actually able to do, especially at a given time. A capable student consistently demonstrates their abilities through action.

When countries assess their military capabilities, they're examining what their forces can actually accomplish. When engineers test a bridge's capabilities, they're measuring what loads it can actually handle. The word often appears when people need to understand what's genuinely possible versus what's merely hoped for. Building your capabilities means developing real skills and resources, turning potential into actual ability.