One's actual ability, competence, or true strength — what someone can really do in practice.
面接では緊張して本来の実力が出せなかった。
I was nervous at the interview and couldn't show my true ability.
彼は見た目は地味だが、実力は確かだ。
He looks plain, but his ability is solid.
大会で実力を発揮して優勝した。
He showed his ability at the tournament and won first place.
Force, strength, or power (e.g., military or coercive power); one’s actual might or influence.
その国は実力で周辺国に影響を及ぼしている。
That country exerts influence on its neighbors by force/power.
暴動を鎮圧するために実力行使が行われた。
Force was used to suppress the riot.