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While “ability” refers to actual and existing skill or aptitude that may be either innate or acquired, “capacity” in the context of skill relates to the innate characteristic of being able to develop something. “Capability” is similar, but it can be acquired. The word has a few slightly different meanings, the most distinctive of which is “a unique readiness to accomplish a specified objective.” In this regard, it demonstrates its "yes or no" nature while also expressing potential.
“Ability,” “capacity,”
And “capability”
May all to skill or aptitude
Refer with certainty.
Though in this mode, “capacity”
A prospect will imply,
Capacity is true innate,
Not made there on the fly.
Alike is “capability”;
Potential “p” it shares.
But native state it need need not be;
It often late appears.
And “capability” as well
Is either yes or no.
It's not a matter of degree,
Worked up or native so.
“Ability” though as we know,
Means actual skill on tap;
The glass one gets may partial be,
Or brimming at the top.
There was a time “ability”
Was animate-object bound.
Those days had simpler rules perhaps,
With clearer answers found.
When putting “capability”
Where was “ability,”
Decide if measure's “yes or no”
Or if degree it be.