Meaning

noun the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment

noun possession of the qualities (especially mental qualities) required to do something or get something done

originFirst attested in the 1300s. From Middle English abilite (“suitability, aptitude, ability”), from Old French ableté, from Latin habilitās (“aptness, ability”), from habilis (“apt, fit, skillful, able”); equivalent to able + -ity.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 3.0