ablea‧ble /ˈeɪbəl/ ●●● S1 W1 adjective 
I’ve always wanted to be able to speak Japanese. b)to be in a situation in which it is possible for you to do something: I’d like to do more gardening, but I never seem able to find the time. I haven’t been able to read that report yet.2clever or good at doing something: one of my more able students
WORD ORIGINable
Origin:
1300-1400 Old French, Latin habilis ‘skillful’, from habere ‘to have’EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- an able assistant
- Mrs Thomas is a very able teacher.
- She was widely regarded as one of the most able members of the president's staff.
- Apart from that, if you're able to get about then clearly it's helpful if there's no traffic.
- Currently, such creatures are not able to converse, creating instead relationships closer to the family pet.
- He would not have been able to put a precise age on the skeleton.
- It was being moved, placed where she wanted him, and there was nothing he was able to do about it.
- Jasper had said he would be able to spot me in a crowd, to pick me out at once.
- Most preschool children are well able to issue instructions.
- She needs to be able to reflect on her own behavior, feelings, and tendencies more than the average child.
- They should be able to offer you the support you need at an academic and personal level.
Longman Language Activatorto be unable to do something
· "Will you help me move this?" "I'm sorry, I can't - my back's still giving me trouble."can't/cannot do something · Louise can't see anything without her glasses.· He couldn't remember where he had left the car.· I could never have climbed that ridge - I'm too out of shape.· Scientists still cannot explain exactly how the virus reproduces.· Sarah could not understand why anyone would want to hurt her.
- use this especially in the past or future tense: · Unfortunately, I wasn't able to help them.· I'm afraid I won't be able to come to the meeting after all.· The doctor told Tina she wouldn't be able to have children.· I've looked all over the house but I haven't been able to find my keys anywhere.
especially written to not be able to do something, especially something important that you want to do or need to do: · He lay awake all night, unable to sleep.· The surgery left her unable to walk for nearly three months.
the fact that someone is unable to do something, used especially when you are annoyed with them because you think they are too weak, lazy etc to do it: · Her actions show an inability to distinguish between fantasy and reality.somebody's inability to do something: · He even blamed his parents for his inability to make friends.· Voters are becoming frustrated at the inability of the administration to do anything about the debt crisis.
to not have the physical or mental ability to do something - often used when you are criticizing someone: be incapable/not be capable of: · Matthew seemed to be incapable of keeping a job.· She's no longer capable of taking care of herself.· Nero was a cruel man, utterly incapable of pity or sympathy.
informal to not be able to do something because you do not have enough knowledge, money, or authority: · I'm afraid I'm not in a position to answer your questions.· Local school boards are in no position to pay for the extra cost of the curriculum.scarcely/hardly in a position to do something: · The US is hardly in a position to criticize other countries for wasting energy supplies.
to be unable to do something because you do not have the right training or experience: not be equipped/be ill-equipped to do something: · The young teacher wasn't equipped to deal with such a difficult class.· The organization is ill-equipped to deal with the problems it may encounter.not be equipped/be ill-equipped for: · After so many years in prison, Victor was not equipped for life on the outside.
to be unable to do something, especially something practical, because you have not learned how to do it: · I didn't know how to drive a car till I was 28.· A lot of the doctors here still don't know how to use the new equipment.
when a situation makes it possible for you to do something · I'll call you if I can, but I'm going to be pretty busy.can do something · Can you come to my place tomorrow and help me move some furniture?· I don't have an appointment, but I wonder if the dentist could see me today.· I hope we can find a parking space.· You can probably get most of the information you need from the Internet.
· She was able to get her watch repaired the same day.· Because of the drop in stock prices, investors were able to find some bargains this week.
spoken use this especially when you are making an arrangement with someone in order to ask or say what someone will be able to do: · Would it be possible for you to come to a meeting on Tuesday?· It might be possible to use the school library on Saturdays.
to be able to do something that you have wanted to do for a long time, or something that you are not usually allowed to do: · We actually got to meet the president when he was here last week.· Do I get to stay up late when Dad comes home from his business trip?
to be allowed to do something or have the power to do it · If you want to come with us, you can.can do something · It's my house and I can do whatever I want here.· Can I use your computer?· At that time, the king could simply have his enemies imprisoned or shot.
use this especially when a law or rule makes it possible for someone to do something: · You might be able to get a temporary passport.· Consumers are now able to buy the drug without a prescription.
to be able to do something because your official position gives you the authority to do it: · The judge has the power to order a witness to give evidence.· Each state had the power to make its own laws.
to have the official authority to do something or have the moral right to do something: · Only the governor is now in a position to stop the execution.· Well, given her appalling record, she's not in any position to criticize my work.
to be able to do something · "I don't think Mike can type." "Yes, he can."can do something · He can run faster than me.· Can you see the TV, or should I move?· This program can translate your e-mail into other languages.· How many hamburgers do you think you can eat?· Adrian could read when he was four.· If we had a boat we could row across to the island.· Why didn't they ask me? I could have done it for them for half the price.
if you are able to do something, you can do it - use this especially about something that needs a lot of effort, skill, or knowledge: · Those bags look really heavy - are you sure you'll be able to carry them on your own?· After the accident it was a long time before she was able to walk again.· To take the class, you have to be able to use a computer.be able to: · My grandpa's getting old now and he can't do all the things he used to be able to.
to have the ability, energy, or qualities needed to do something, especially something very difficult or unusual - use this about people or machines: · He's a very angry kid, but he's not capable of murder.be capable of doing something: · The missiles are capable of travelling about 700 miles.· Around 7 or 8, children are already capable of making their own moral evaluations.be perfectly capable of doing something (=used to emphasize that you are definitely capable of doing something): · Leave the boy alone, I'm sure he's perfectly capable of fixing it himself.
to be able to do something, especially something that is unusual or that most people cannot do: · She seemed to have the ability to make people do anything she wanted.· I believe the team definitely has the ability to win the championship.
to be able to do something, especially to deal with a particular problem, because you have been properly prepared or had the right training: · By the end of the course, students should be equipped to deal with any business situation.· The emergency services are well equipped to cope with disasters of this kind.
to have the ability and the qualities of character needed to do something difficult, especially when you or other people doubt that you can do it: · I admired the way you refused to let him bully you - I didn't think you had it in you.have it in you to do something: · No one thought I would win, but I knew I had it in me to do it if I really tried.
to be able to do something, because you know a way of a doing it, especially something practical such as operating a machine: · Do you know how to use this computer?· I'd turn the thing off if only I knew how.
to have enough knowledge, money, or equipment to do something: · Once the loan is paid off, Jones will be in a position to run the casino himself.· We will have to run more tests before we are in a position to say whether the document is authentic or not.be in a good/excellent/better position to do something: · When I've read the whole report I'll be in a better position to comment.
when you are not allowed or do not have the power to do something · "I really want to see that movie." "You can't. You're not old enough."can't/cannot do something · The manager can't fire you for being pregnant.· Members of the public cannot enter the building unless they have an identity card.· In those days a woman could not divorce her husband except in the most extreme cases.
use this when a law or rule does not allow someone to do something: · If you don't have a library card, you won't be able to borrow any books.· You won't be able to get back into the country without your passport.
to be unable to do something because your job does not give you the authority or right to do it: · It is not in her power to increase your salary, but she can recommend it.· Individual states do not have the power to declare war.
to be unable to do something because you do not have the authority or the moral right to do it: · The agency is not in a position to negotiate or make decisions.
if a problem or situation is out of someone's hands , they are no longer responsible for dealing with it because it has been taken over by someone with more power, or because it must now be decided according to the law: · The matter is out of our hands now - we'll just have to wait to see what the judge decides.· It's no longer in my hands, I'm afraid - I've sent a report about your son's behaviour to the police.
if someone's hands are tied they cannot do what they want because of particular conditions or rules made by someone else: · The company's hands are tied because of government regulations.· I'd like to help you, but you missed the deadline. I'm afraid my hands are tied.
unable to control or stop something because you do not have the power or legal right to do this: · The average citizen feels completely powerless faced with the rising tide of crime and violence.powerless to do something: · Although we all thought the decision was unfair, we were powerless to change it.powerless against: · Citizens imprisoned for their political beliefs are powerless against the government.
if you are ineligible to take part in something or to receive something, you do not have the legal right to do this: · Police found that many of the people on the list were ineligible voters.ineligible for: · People with higher incomes are ineligible for the government benefits.ineligible to do something: · Because he no longer lives in the district, he is ineligible to run for re-election.
when a situation makes it impossible for you to do something · Look, I know I said I'd come, but I can't.can't/cannot do something · I can't go out to lunch today, I have too much work to do.· The doctor cannot see you without a prior appointment.
- use this especially in the past or future tense: · She has a meeting with her boss tomorrow, so she won't be able to come.· With everything that's been happening at the office lately, I haven't been able to spend much time at home.
use this especially when you want to be polite about the fact that someone cannot do something: · I'm sorry, but Mrs Jones is unable to see you now. Please come back at 6 o'clock.· The Pope was unable to attend, due to illness.
used especially when you want to give an excuse or reason for not doing something: · I have a full schedule all next week, so I'm afraid it won't be possible for me to see you then.· We had so many other orders that it wasn't possible to deliver yours any earlier.
able to do something well to be able to do something well: · When she was at school she was good at art.· She loves her job, and she's very good at it.be good at doing something: · You've never been much good at lying.· Robson is particularly good at dealing with people, and should make an excellent manager.
able to do something well: · The school orchestra is surprisingly good.good singer/player/teacher etc: · Frank had always been a good football player, and it was no surprise when he was chosen for the team.· I can refer you to a good dentist.be good with somebody/something (=be good at dealing with someone or something): · Mrs. Hill is very good with children.· The two Drew girls are unusually good with animals.be good with your hands (=be good at making or repairing things with your hands): · Jeremy's good with his hands - he built our kitchen cupboards.
formal having reached an acceptable standard in something, by learning or practising it: proficient in: · Before you can study at a British university, you have to be proficient in English.proficient skier/climber/actor etc: · The black runs are for proficient skiers only.
good at doing something, especially at doing a difficult or important job that involves a lot of responsibility: · Mrs Thomas is a very able teacher.· She was widely regarded as one of the most able members of the president's staff.
someone who is capable can be trusted to do a job or piece of work well and without needing other people's help or advice: · Mr. Young is a very capable attorney.· The team desperately needs a capable quarterback.
someone who is competent has enough skill and knowledge to be able to do something to a high or satisfactory standard: · Competent skiers should find no difficulty with the course.· Though the country is poor, the doctors and nurses are qualified and competent.highly competent (=very competent): · Tomita is a highly competent translator.competent in: · New students are expected to be competent in mathematics.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES She was very old and barely able to walk.
She was very old and barely able to walk.· Some young mothers feel that they aren't able to cope on their own.
· She is well able to look after herself.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB· Some, because their interests lie elsewhere, may be barely able to read, and their writing may be rudimentary.· The police jeep and Boynes' vehicle were barely able to squeeze past.· Soon she was barely able to walk and she had oxygen cylinders fitted in her bedroom.· Cantor was barely able to utter this single word, so full of suspense, desire, triumph, and some deviousness.· Still shocked and barely able to move; it's lucky to be alive.· His eyes were glassy and he seemed barely able to keep them open.· I pulled over to the emergency lane, barely able to see the other cars on the road.· By the end of the evening, I was barely able to speak.
· No doubt many more boys were up to the same tricks, but convention ruled that they were better able to look after themselves.· As a child becomes better able to generalize across stimuli, schemata become more refined.· Handling and ride in the 5-Series is already legendary, and this engine is better able to make the most of it.· Respondents said the president is better able to handle a variety of issues.· By keeping close to customers, we are better able to service their needs and we can keep ahead of industry trends.· Version 8. 0 also comes with an improved installation routine that is faster and better able to anticipate conflicts.· Flies long exposed to the intruder were better able to cope than those attacked but recently.· The grunts were better able to diagnose the problems of our business than the generals.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY
- After the accident it was a long time before she was able to walk again.
- Ammiano still isn't able to make a living from acting.
- Because of the drop in stock prices, investors were able to find some bargains this week.
- Consumers are now able to buy the drug without a prescription.
- In 1944, we were able to return to Hawaii.
- My grandpa's getting old now and he can't do all the things he used to be able to.
- She was able to get her watch repaired the same day.
- Thomas is expected to be able to play again next weekend.
- Those bags look really heavy - are you sure you'll be able to carry them on your own?
- To take the class, you have to be able to use a computer.
- You might be able to get a temporary passport.
- Do you really think the uneducated people they leave behind will be able to keep the artificial environments stable?
- For example, ants are able to memorize the path through a maze and are capable of applying this learning to other mazes.
- However, further studies are required to be able to reach significant conclusions on the economics of such an attempt.
- Once he was able to communicate his feelings, he and his wife were able to resolve the situation.
- Table 16-2 shows that the first Thatcher government was able to reduce marginal tax rates substantially, especially for the very rich.
- The men most likely to be able to give the news, she said, were Nestor and Menelaus.
- The taxi driver was a friend of ours so we were able to relax driving to the Airport.
- Working without advisers and with a poor slate of generals, Lincoln was able to reunite the country and end slavery.
WORD FAMILYnounability ≠ inabilitydisabilityadjectiveable ≠ unabledisabledverbenable ≠ disableadverbably
1be able to do something a)to have the skill, strength, knowledge etc needed to do something: I’ve always wanted to be able to speak Japanese. b)to be in a situation in which it is possible for you to do something: I’d like to do more gardening, but I never seem able to find the time. I haven’t been able to read that report yet.2clever or good at doing something: one of my more able students