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

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

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

“What was the lost potentiality? What symphonies weren’t written? What cures weren’t found? What children weren’t raised with love?”

From Los Angeles Times

But, he added, “we know that the potentiality is there.”

From Los Angeles Times

Sexual frigidity is “the inability to enjoy physical love to the limits of its potentiality.”

From Scientific American