having necessary power, skill, resources, or qualifications; qualified

able to lift a two-hundred-pound weight; able to write music; able to travel widely; able to vote.

having unusual or superior intelligence, skill, etc.

an able leader.

showing talent, skill, or knowledge

an able speech.

legally empowered, qualified, or authorized.

( usually initial capital letter ) a code word formerly used in communications to represent the letter A.

adjective

ineffective , inept , infirm , powerless , unable , useless , delicate , feeble , stupid , weak , impotent , incapable , incompetent , inefficient ineffective

adjective

adept , adequate , adroit , agile , alert , apt , bright , capable , competent , cunning , deft , dexterous , easy , effortless , endowed , equipped , facile , fitted , good , intelligent , knowing , powerful , ready , smart , strong , worthynotes:able is having the necessary power to accomplish something while capable means having the potential to accomplish something , accomplished , artful , au fait , brilliant , clever , effective , effectual , efficient , equal to , experienced , expert , gifted , ingenious , keen , know backwards and forwards , know one’s onions , know the ropes , learned , masterful , masterly , practiced , prepared , proficient , qualified , responsible , savvy , sharp , skilled , skillful , talented , there , trained , up to it , up to snuff , up to speed , with it *notes:able is having the necessary power to accomplish something while capable means having the potential to accomplish something , cogent , fit , potent , suitable , suited , telling , versatile , vigorous