Collocations for "ability"
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word "ability" in context.
WordReference English Collocations © 2026
ability
ⓘMost examples are given in US English. We have labeled exceptions as UK.n
- has a [great, wonderful, decreased] ability
- [is, has] the ability (to)
- has the [natural, proven, unique, demonstrated, proven] ability to
- with the [proven] ability to
- has the ability and [willingness, desire, knowledge] to
- has [limited, infinite] ability to
- [have, show] the ability to [make, work, use]
- (was able to) demonstrate the ability (necessary) to
- has no ability (at all)
- impaired ability to [drive, walk]
- question his ability
- [improve, develop] your ability (to, in)
- test your ability to [read, recognize, see, speak]
- [her, Mark's, this person's] ability to
- confident in her ability to
- judged on your ability to
- [identify, describe] your skills and abilities
- ability in [math, basketball]
- the ability for [users, anyone, people] to
- a mixed-ability class
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'ability' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
affect
- compete
- demonstrate
- deny
- doubt
- hold
- increase
- lose
- prove
- question
- talk
- task
- tax
- test
- threaten
- trust
- waste
- wonder
- few
- confidence
- desire
- gain
- speech
- smell
- level
- communication
- constraint
- limit
- mimic
- mismatch
- willingness
- pronounce
- smash
- weaken
- strengthen
- communicate
- diminish
- mental
- proven
- stern
- strengthening
- unbelievable
- uncanny
- utter
- versatile
- amused
- doubtful
- exceptional
- extraordinary
- summit
