Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary - able

(abler, ablest) Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English. 1. If you are able to do something, you have skills or qualities which make it possible for you to do it. The older child should be able to prepare a simple meal... The company say they’re able to keep pricing competitive... They seemed able to work together very efficiently. = can PHRASE 2. If you are able to do something, you have enough freedom, power, time, or money to do it. You’ll be able to read in peace... It would be nice to be able to afford to retire earlier. = can PHRASE 3. Someone who is able is very clever or very good at doing something. ...one of the brightest and ablest members of the government... = capable ADJ