potency

noun

po·​ten·​cy ˈpō-tᵊn(t)-sē 

plural potencies

1

a

: force, power

b

: the quality or state of being potent

c

: the ability or capacity to achieve or bring about a particular result

2

: potentiality sense 1

Synonyms of potency

• power
• strength
• energy
• muscle
• capacity

Examples of potency in a Sentence

The potency of her words changed many minds in the audience that night.

Any vitamin of high potency should only be taken in the proper dosage.

Recent Examples on the Web

After brushing aside three domestic teams in warm-up matches, the All Blacks won the first Test in Johannesburg 33-16, scoring three second-half tries in a display of attacking potency. — Daniel Gallan, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Aside from its suction power and design, the R3 increases its cleaning potency with vision and smarts. — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 5 Sep. 2026

Other critics in Congress have focused on products that can be inhaled and high-potency candy products, as well as the lack of THC caps and testing requirements for those products. — Brandon Gomez, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2026

Additionally, the drug supply is always changing, with the potency of fentanyl declining in recent years. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

potency

noun

po·​ten·​cy ˈpōt-ᵊn-sē 

plural potencies

: the quality or state of being potent

vitamins of high potency

especially : power to bring about a certain result

Medical Definition

potency

noun

po·​ten·​cy ˈpōt-ᵊn-sē 

plural potencies

: the quality or state of being potent: as

a

: chemical or medicinal strength or efficacy

a drug's potency

b

: the ability to copulate

—usually used of the male

c

: initial inherent capacity for development of a particular kind

cells with a potency for eye formation