potentiality

[ puh-ten-shee-al-i-tee ]

noun

, plural po·ten·ti·al·i·ties

1. the state or quality of being potential.
2. something potential; a possibility:

   Atomic destruction is a grim potentiality.

potentiality

/ pəˌtɛnʃɪˈælɪtɪ /

noun

1. latent or inherent capacity or ability for growth, fulfilment, etc
2. a person or thing that possesses such a capacity

Word History and Origins

Origin of potentiality¹

From the Medieval Latin word potentiālitās, dating back to 1615–25. See potential, -ity

Example Sentences

Today’s teens face a yawning chasm of potentiality.

From Slate

During the workshops, the participants were asked to think about this technology from the perspective of IFGs, to imagine how this technology might be adopted in the future and to assess its future potentiality.

From Science Daily

The participants were surveyed between workshops and asked to rank indicators related to the future potentiality of the technology.

From Science Daily

Classic Hollywood directors like David Lean and Douglas Sirk knew the amorous potentiality contained in the human face, harnessing its elastic electricity to illuminate soaring embraces and aching breakups.

From New York Times

Classic Hollywood directors like David Lean and Douglas Sirk knew the amorous potentiality contained in the human face, harnessing its elastic electricity to illuminate soaring embraces and aching breakups.

From New York Times