1One's real, demonstrated ability or competence—true skill as shown in practice rather than by appearance or title.
彼女は若いが、実力は誰もが認めている。
She's young, but everyone acknowledges her ability.
うちの会社は学歴より実力を重視する。
Our company values ability more than academic background.
決勝戦で両チームの実力が拮抗していた。
In the final match, both teams' abilities were evenly matched.
彼はまだ実力不足だと自分でも感じている。
He himself feels that his ability still isn't enough.
2Force or power that can actually be exercised—such as military might or coercive strength, often used of resolving matters by force.
両国は実力で国境問題を解決しようとしなかった。
Neither country tried to resolve the border dispute by force.
警察は最終的に実力行使に踏み切った。
The police ultimately resorted to the use of force.