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 Word Forms

• 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

Before the game, manager Dave Roberts had remained bullish on his long-term potential, reflecting back at where he was one year and three weeks earlier.

From Los Angeles Times

A spokesperson for the Department of Health said it recognised the potential for anxiety and disruption when someone was asked to transition from one support setting to another.

From BBC

"Manufacturers, particularly in defence and high-tech, face potential shortages and production delays due to halted shipments and limited inventories," said Dr Harper.

From BBC

But this week, Chinese officials have acknowledged the potential for economic pain as a result of the unfolding trade war with the US.

From BBC

To investigate the potential scale of trafficking from the US using similar shipping routes, the BBC analysed customs data shared with us by the shipping data platform CargoFax.

From BBC

Related Words

• ability
• capability
• capacity
• potentiality
• power