potential

[ puh-ten-shuhl ]

adjective

1. possible, as opposed to actual:

   the potential uses of nuclear energy.

2. capable of being or becoming:

   a potential danger to safety.

3. Grammar. expressing possibility:

   the potential subjunctive in Latin; the potential use of can in I can go.

4. Archaic. potent ¹.

noun

1. possibility; potentiality:

   an investment that has little growth potential.

   Synonyms: potency, capacity

2. a latent excellence or ability that may or may not be developed.
3. Grammar.
   1. a potential aspect, mood, construction, case, etc.
   2. a form in the potential.
4. Electricity. electric potential ( def 1 ).
5. Mathematics, Physics. a type of function from which the intensity of a field may be derived, usually by differentiation.
6. someone or something that is considered a worthwhile possibility:

   The list of job applications has been narrowed to half a dozen potentials.

potential

/ pəˈtɛnʃəl /

adjective

1. 1. possible but not yet actual
   2. prenominal capable of being or becoming but not yet in existence; latent
2. grammar (of a verb or form of a verb) expressing possibility, as English may and might
3. an archaic word for potent 1

noun

1. latent but unrealized ability or capacity

   Jones has great potential as a sales manager

2. grammar a potential verb or verb form
3. short for electric potential

Derived Forms

• poˈtentially, adverb

Other Words From

• nonpo·tential adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of potential¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English potencial (from Old French ), from Late Latin potentiālis. See potency, -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of potential¹

C14: from Old French potencial, from Late Latin potentiālis, from Latin potentia power

Synonym Study

See latent.

Example Sentences

"Our work shows that there's reason to be hopeful about C. oligandrus's potential in aiding in the HIV cure effort," said Dr. Tietjen, the corresponding author on the paper from Wistar.

From Science Daily

No other potential conflicts of interest are disclosed.

From Science Daily

It added that departments were responsible for addressing "any potential propriety matters".

From BBC

A potential deal would likely establish a timeline for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the south of Lebanon and include the deployment there of thousands of additional troops of the Lebanese army.

From BBC

The pair also shared information about their potential movements, which police used in their investigations.

From BBC

Related Words

• ability
• capability
• capacity
• potentiality
• power