What Is Capacity vs Capability?

Definition
Capacity refers to the underlying physical qualities an individual possesses, such as strength, endurance, or power. Capability refers to the ability to express those qualities effectively in real-world tasks.

Key Difference
An individual may have high capacity but low capability if they cannot apply their physical qualities under fatigue, stress, or complex conditions.

What This Distinction Is Not
Capacity is not irrelevant, and capability does not replace it. Both are necessary but serve different roles in performance.

Why It Matters
Training programs that develop capacity without translating it into capability often fail to produce usable performance.

Practical Implications
Training should include task-relevant exposure that converts capacity into applicable performance under realistic conditions.

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