able
- 1If you are able to do something, you can do it.
Like having the right tools and enough time to finish a job.
After saving for a year, she was able to buy a new bike.
He is able to fix almost anything around the house.
UsageSay will be able to come (not
incorrect: will can come). Can has no future form.Oppositeincapable
- 2Having a lot of skill, intelligence, or knowledge.
She is an able cook who can make a tasty meal from very little.
Our new manager is able and fair, and the whole team trusts her.
UsageOften comes before a noun: an able cook.
Similarcapable, competent, skilled, talented, accomplished
Oppositeincompetent, inept, unskilled
Note
- 3Allowed by law to do something, such as sign papers or own property.
At eighteen, she was able to sign the rental agreement herself.
The court found him able to manage his own money.
UsageUsually able to + something legal: able to sign a contract, able to make a will.
Oppositeincompetent, unqualified
Note
Less common meanings
- 4Strong and healthy, with a lot of physical strength.
Note
- 5Right or fit for a purpose or job.
Note
- 6Easy to use and simple to handle.
- 7Rich, with plenty of money, land, or property.
Note
- 8Likely to have something happen, often something bad.
Note
- 9To give someone the power or skill to do something.
Note
- 10To make a thing stronger, or to back it up as true.
- 11To get a person or thing ready.
Note
- 12To promise that a person or thing is good, honest, or true.
None does offend, none....I’ll able ’em.
c. 1603, William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of King Lear”Here, able means to vouch for someone, promising they are good and honest.Note
- 13To dress a person by putting clothes on them.
- 14Skilled enough to do all the usual work of a sailor on deck.
- 15An old word for the letter A, used by the military when spelling things out over a radio.
Showing meanings only.
Practice
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Origins
It comes from a Latin word meaning "easy to handle" or "skillful," built from the Latin verb meaning "to have." English took it through Old French.
Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 3 facts
- Able derives from Latin habilis, meaning easily handled or skillful. en.wiktionary.org
- Latin habilis derives from a Latin verb meaning to have. en.wiktionary.org
- Able entered English through Old French. en.wiktionary.org
From the Middle English word ablen, which came from the adjective able.
Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 2 facts
- The verb able derives from Middle English ablen. en.wiktionary.org
- Middle English ablen derives from the adjective able. en.wiktionary.org