capacity

The largest amount that a container or place can hold.

• The tank has a capacity of fifty litres.
• The stadium was filled to capacity.
• What is the storage capacity of this device?

How to use it: capacity of something (The capacity of the hall is two hundred people.); at capacity (The shelter is already at capacity.)

Similar words: volume

Common phrases: seating capacity, full capacity, capacity of something

The ability of a person or thing to do or experience something.

• Children have a great capacity to learn.
• I admire her capacity for kindness.
• The injury reduced his capacity to work.

How to use it: capacity to do something (She has the capacity to lead the team.); capacity for something (He showed a remarkable capacity for hard work.)

Similar words: ability, capability

Opposites: inability

Common phrases: capacity to learn, capacity for something, mental capacity, capacity to perform

The amount a business or machine can produce or the work it can handle.

• The factory needs more capacity.
• New machines doubled our production capacity.
• The plant is operating at full capacity.

How to use it: at full capacity (The factory ran at full capacity during the holiday season.)

Similar words: production capability

Common phrases: production capacity, spare capacity, increase capacity

The role or position in which someone acts.

• She attended in her capacity as director.
• I am speaking in a personal capacity.
• He has served the organization in several capacities.

How to use it: in someone’s capacity as someone (He signed the letter in his capacity as chairman.); in a particular capacity (She advised us in a professional capacity.)

Similar words: role, position

Common phrases: in my capacity, official capacity, capacity as someone

The power given by law to take a particular action.

• The officer has the legal capacity to make an arrest.
• The court questioned his capacity to act on her behalf.
• This official lacks the capacity to issue such an order.

How to use it: capacity to do something (The law grants these officers the capacity to detain suspects.)

Similar words: authority, legal power

Common phrases: legal capacity, capacity to arrest, capacity to act