How to pronounce ability
Say it like uh-BIL-uh-tee. Ability has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BIL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ability. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- BIL
- uh
- tee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ability pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- BILSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- teeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of ability
American and British speakers say ability in essentially the same way: /əˈbɪləˌti/ in the US and /əˈbɪlɪti/ in the UK.
British respelling: uh-BIL-ih-tee.
What does ability mean?
- the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment
- possession of the qualities (especially mental qualities) required to do something or get something done“danger heightened his powers of discrimination”
Where does ability come from?
First attested in the 1300s.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with ability
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of ability.
- responsibility
- possibility
- utility
- mobility
- flexibility
- fertility
- hostility
- compatibility
- volatility
- nobility
Questions about saying ability
How do you pronounce ability?
Say uh-BIL-uh-tee. The American pronunciation is /əˈbɪləˌti/. In British English it is /əˈbɪlɪti/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ability?
Ability has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BIL). Broken into parts: uh · BIL · uh · tee.
Do Americans and Brits say ability the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əˈbɪləˌti/ and the British form is /əˈbɪlɪti/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.