How to pronounce capability
Say it like kay-puh-BIL-uh-tee. Capability has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (BIL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce capability. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kay
- puh
- BIL
- uh
- tee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Capability pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kayGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- puhKeep 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.
- teeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of capability
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: kay-puh-BIL-ih-tee.
What does capability mean?
- the quality of being capable -- physically or intellectually or legally“he worked to the limits of his capability”
- the susceptibility of something to a particular treatment“the capability of a metal to be fused”
- an aptitude that may be developed
Where does capability come from?
Formed in Modern English as capable + -ity.
Words that rhyme with capability
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of capability.
- responsibility
- possibility
- utility
- availability
- mobility
- flexibility
- probability
- reliability
- fertility
- hostility
Questions about saying capability
How do you pronounce capability?
Say kay-puh-BIL-uh-tee. The American pronunciation is /ˌkeɪpəˈbɪləti/. In British English it is /ˌkeɪpəˈbɪlɪti/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in capability?
Capability has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (BIL). Broken into parts: kay · puh · BIL · uh · tee.
Is capability pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˌkeɪpəˈbɪlɪti/ (kay-puh-BIL-ih-tee).