able

ableadjective

Able describes someone who has the power or skill to do something, or who is generally skilled.

1. can do somethinghaving the power, skill, time, or opportunity to do something

   predicative only [pred]

   • Are you able to come to the meeting?
   • She wasn't able to sleep last night.
   • He'll be able to help you tomorrow.
   • I'm not able to explain it clearly.

   Collocations

   phrase be able to, able to do something

   Antonyms unable

   Compare can (able to is used where can has no form, such as after another modal or in the infinitive: will be able to, to be able to); could

   For translators (sense 1)

   Grammar trap Able to is followed by the base form of a verb, not the -ing form: able to swim, not able to swimming.

2. competentskilled at doing things

   approving

   • She's a very able student.
   • He proved himself to be an able leader.
   • The team is small but able.

   Collocations

   adjective + noun an able student, an able leader, an able assistant

   Synonyms capable; skilled