the ability to receive or contain

This hotel has a large capacity.

the maximum amount or number that can be received or contained; cubic contents; volume

The inn is filled to capacity. The gasoline tank has a capacity of 20 gallons.

power of receiving impressions, knowledge, etc.; mental ability

the capacity to learn calculus.

actual or potential ability to perform, yield, or withstand

He has a capacity for hard work. The capacity of the oil well was 150 barrels a day. She has the capacity to go two days without sleep.

quality or state of being susceptible to a given treatment or action

Steel has a high capacity to withstand pressure.

position; function; role

He served in the capacity of legal adviser.

legal qualification.

Electricity .

capacitance.

maximum possible output.

reaching maximum capacity

a capacity audience; a capacity crowd.

noun

impotence , inability , incompetence

noun

accommodation , amplitude , bulk , burden , compass , contents , dimensions , expanse , extent , full , holding ability , holding power , latitude , magnitude , mass , measure , proportions , quantity , range , reach , retention , room , scope , size , space , spread , standing room only , sufficiency , sweepnotes:applied to a person , ability and capacity mean about the same thing but are grammatically different: an ability to do something , a capacity for doing something; ability is qualitative while capacity is quantitativecapacity refers to a general ability to comprehend an issue or perform a task; capability implies a reference to one of a set of such abilities , adequacy , aptitude , aptness , bent , brains , caliber , capability , cleverness , competence , efficiency , facility , faculty , forte , genius , gift , inclination , intelligence , knack , might , power , qualification , readiness , skill , stature , strength , talent , the goods , up to it , what it takesnotes:applied to a person , competency , ability , attainment , content , endowment , intellect , limit , potential , potentiality , puissance , virtuosity , volume