Abilities are general human capacities related to the performance of tasks. They develop over time through the interaction of heredity and experience, and are long lasting.

The main difference between a competency and an ability is that competencies require continuing education opportunities to maintain and they may disappear over time if not used. While abilities may also 'grow' over time, they are normally relative permanent. Abilities are fairly stable traits, which in the adult, will not change very much unless the individual is subjected to some unusual environmental change.