# able vs abuse

> English confusable word pair

## The two words

### able
*adjective · IPA /ˈeɪ.bl̩/ · frequency rank #352*
Having the necessary powers or the needed resources to accomplish a task.

### abuse
*noun · IPA /əˈbjuːs/ · frequency rank #2,190*
Improper treatment or usage; application to a wrong or bad purpose; an unjust, corrupt or wrongful practice or custom.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/vs/able-vs-abuse