Crossword Genius

Potential sailor, one with typical scruffy clothing (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

capability

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'potential' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'sailor one with typical scruffy clothing' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'sailor' could be 'ab' (abbreviation for able seaman) and 'ab' is present in the answer.
'one' could be 'li' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'li' is present in the answer.
'clothing' could be 'cap' (cap is a kind of clothing) and 'cap' is found within the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for capability that I've seen before include "Power (to do something)" , "lord with big estate?" , "Competence" , "Potential problem-solver" , "So-called gardener" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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