'ability-driven' is a compound word formed from 'ability' and 'driven'. 'Ability' originates from Latin 'habilitas', meaning 'aptitude', and 'driven' is the past participle of 'drive', from Old English 'drīfan', meaning 'to force to move'.

'Ability' evolved from Middle English 'abilite', and 'driven' from Old English 'drīfan', eventually forming the modern compound 'ability-driven'.

Initially, 'ability' meant 'aptitude or skill', and 'driven' meant 'propelled or motivated'. Together, they convey the idea of being motivated by one's skills.