Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English - able

~ S1 W1 adj 1 be ~ to do sth a) to have the skill, strength, knowledge etc to do something  (I've always wanted to be able to speak Japanese.) b) to be ~ to do something because the situation makes it possible for you to do it  (Despite his enormous workload the President still seems able to find time to go fishing. | I haven't been able to read that report yet.)  (- see can1) 2 clever or good at doing something, especially at doing an important job; competent (1)  (one of my more able students)