Cool MateCapability vs Capacity
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Capability
Top 2,000 (common)C1noun
Capacity
Top 2,000 (common)B2noun
| Capability | Capacity | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌkeɪpəˈbɪləti/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌkeɪpəˈbɪləti/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //kəˈpæs.ɪ.ti//🇺🇸 //kəˈpæ.sɪ.ti// |
| Meaning | The ability to do something. | How much something can hold or do. |
| Example | Her capability as a leader impressed everyone at the meeting. | The capacity of the stadium is 50,000 people. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | advanced, enhanced, limited, demonstrate, have, possess, beyond somebody’s capability, within somebody’s capability, capability for, advanced, enhanced, limited, demonstrate, have, possess, beyond somebody’s capability, within somebody’s capability, capability for | full capacity, seating capacity, at capacity, capacity limits |
| Antonyms | incapability, inability | inability, incapacity |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'capacity' which refers to volume or quantity., Using it as a verb instead of a noun., Misplacing the emphasis in pronunciation. | Confused with 'capability', which refers to ability rather than volume., Using 'capacity' for individual abilities when 'capability' is more appropriate., Mispronouncing the word with emphasis on the wrong syllable. |
| Usage notes | Use 'capability' in professional or academic contexts to discuss skills or potential. It's not commonly used in casual conversations. | Used in both formal and informal contexts. Common in discussions about limits or ability. Not typically used in casual conversation unless referring to space or limits. |
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Frequently asked questions: Capability vs Capacity
What's the difference between Capability and Capacity?
Capability: The ability to do something. Capacity: How much something can hold or do.
Which is more advanced: Capability and Capacity?
Capability is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Capability and Capacity the same CEFR level?
Capability: C1, Capacity: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Capability and Capacity?
Capability: noun, Capacity: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Capability: Her capability as a leader impressed everyone at the meeting. Capacity: The capacity of the stadium is 50,000 people.
Can I use Capability and Capacity interchangeably?
Not always. Capability and Capacity are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.