facility

[fuh-sil-i-tee]

noun

plural

facilities 

1. Often facilities

   1. something designed, built, installed, etc., to serve a specific function affording a convenience or service.

      transportation facilities;

      educational facilities;

      a new research facility.

   2. something that permits the easier performance of an action, course of conduct, etc..

      to provide someone with every facility for accomplishing a task;

      to lack facilities for handling bulk mail.

2. readiness or ease due to skill, aptitude, or practice; dexterity.

   to compose with great facility.

3. ready compliance.

   Her facility in organizing and directing made her an excellent supervisor.

4. an easy-flowing manner.

   facility of style.

5. the quality of being easily or conveniently done or performed.

6. Informal.,  Often facilities a restroom, especially one for use by the public, as in a theater or restaurant.

7. freedom from difficulty, controversy, misunderstanding, etc..

   facility of understanding.

facility

/ fəˈsɪlɪtɪ /

noun

1. ease of action or performance; freedom from difficulty

2. ready skill or ease deriving from practice or familiarity

3. (often plural) the means or equipment facilitating the performance of an action

4. rare,  easy-going disposition

5. military an organization or building offering supporting capability

6. (usually plural) a euphemistic word for lavatory

Other Word Forms

• nonfacility noun
• overfacility noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of facility¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English facilite, from Middle French or directly from Latin facilitās; facile, -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of facility¹

C15: from Latin facilitās , from facilis easy; see _facile

Example Sentences

The arrested workers were being held at an ICE facility in Folkston, Georgia, until the agency decides where to move them next.

From BBC

An investigation by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation found that a single US-based laboratory had certified at least half of the products that had failed Choice's testing, and that this facility routinely recorded high test results.

From BBC

"Both sides have deliberately targeted civilians through attacks, summary executions, arbitrary detention, torture, and inhuman treatment in detention facilities, including denial of food, sanitation, and medical care," said Fact-Finding Mission chair, Mohamed Chande Othman.

From BBC

With limited use of first-team facilities, it is a lonely existence.

From BBC

Kasperowicz’s statement said the facility would be used by veterans nationwide.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accommodation 
• amenity 
• equipment 
• material 
• resource 
• tool