capacity

[kəˈpæsɪti]

capacity Definition

• 1. the maximum amount that something can contain or produce
• 2. the ability or power to do, experience, or understand something

Using capacity: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "capacity" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The stadium has a seating capacity of 50,000 people.

• Example

  The factory has the capacity to produce 1000 units per day.

• Example

  She has the mental capacity to solve complex problems.

• Example

  The human brain has an amazing capacity for learning.

capacity Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for capacity

• volume
• extent
• scope
• capability
• ability
• power
• potential
• size

Antonyms for capacity

• inability
• incapacity
• incompetence

Idioms Using capacity

• at capacity

  operating at maximum output or occupancy

  Example

  The hotel is currently at capacity, so we need to look for another place to stay.

• beyond capacity

  more than what can be handled or managed

  Example

  The hospital is beyond capacity due to the surge in COVID-19 cases.

• take something to capacity

  to use something to its fullest extent

  Example

  The new software will take our computers to capacity, allowing us to work more efficiently.

Phrases with capacity

• full capacity

  the maximum amount that something can contain or produce

  Example

  The factory is operating at full capacity.

• capacity building

  the process of developing and strengthening the skills, instincts, abilities, processes and resources that organizations and communities need to survive, adapt, and thrive in the fast-changing world

  Example

  The organization is investing in capacity building to improve its efficiency and effectiveness.

• excess capacity

  a situation where a company or industry has more production capacity than it needs to meet current demand

  Example

  The airline industry is facing excess capacity due to the decrease in travel demand caused by the pandemic.

Origins of capacity

from Latin 'capacitas', meaning 'breadth, capacity, size'

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Summary: capacity in Brief

The term 'capacity' [kəˈpæsɪti] refers to the maximum amount that something can contain or produce, as well as the ability or power to do, experience, or understand something. It can refer to physical space, such as 'The stadium has a seating capacity of 50,000 people,' or mental ability, such as 'She has the mental capacity to solve complex problems.' Phrases like 'full capacity' and 'excess capacity' denote the maximum or surplus amount of something, while idioms like 'at capacity' and 'beyond capacity' describe the level of usage or management.