potential

1 of 2

adjective

po·​ten·​tial pə-ˈten(t)-shəl 

1

: existing in possibility : capable of development into actuality

potential benefits

2

: expressing possibility

specifically : of, relating to, or constituting a verb phrase expressing possibility, liberty, or power by the use of an auxiliary with the infinitive of the verb (as in "it may rain")

potential

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: something that can develop or become actual

a potential for violence

b

: promise sense 2

2

a

: any of various functions from which the intensity or the velocity at any point in a field may be readily calculated

b

: the work required to move a unit positive charge from a reference point (as at infinity) to a point in question

c

: potential difference

Did you know?

Potential can be either good or bad. Studying hard increases the potential for success, but wet roads increase the potential for accidents. But when a person or thing "has potential", we always expect something good from it in the future. As an adjective (as in "potential losses", "potential benefits", etc.), potential usually means simply "possible". In science, however, the adjective has a special meaning: Potential energy is the kind of stored energy that a boulder sitting at the top of a cliff has (the opposite of kinetic energy, which is what it has as it rolls down that cliff).

Synonyms

Adjective

• implicit
• possible

Noun

• capability
• eventuality
• possibility
• potentiality
• prospect

Choose the Right Synonym for potential

latent, dormant, quiescent, potential mean not now showing signs of activity or existence.

latent applies to a power or quality that has not yet come forth but may emerge and develop.

a latent desire for success

dormant suggests the inactivity of something (such as a feeling or power) as though sleeping.

their passion had lain dormant

quiescent suggests a usually temporary cessation of activity.

the disease was quiescent

potential applies to what does not yet have existence or effect but is likely soon to have.

a potential disaster

Examples of potential in a Sentence

Adjective

Doctors are excited about the new drug's potential benefits.

Critics say the factory poses a potential threat to the environment.

He is a potential candidate for president.

The project has potential risks.

Noun

Scientists are exploring the potentials of the new drug.

The new technology has the potential to transform the industry.

There is potential in the new technology, but it will be a long time before it can actually be used.

The company has a lot of potential for future growth.

He has the potential to be one of the team's best players.

He shows enormous potential as an athlete.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Trump's potential plans for tax cuts and deregulation are seen as likely to lift the market while tariffs would be negative. —Caroline Valetkevitch, USA TODAY, 3 Dec. 2024

Just one of a thousand potential hazards oilfield workers face every day of the week. —David Blackmon, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

Noun

Without exploration, there’s a greater potential to be misaligned with a job or responsibility that isn’t motivating. —Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

There are still questions at quarterback, where Jayden Maiava has tons of big-play potential, but not nearly enough polish yet to fully elevate USC’s offense. —Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English potencial, from Late Latin potentialis, from potentia potentiality, from Latin, power, from potent-, potens

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing potential

• action potential
• biotic potential
• growth potential
• potential difference
• potential energy
• reach/realize one's full potential

Kids Definition

potential

1 of 2 adjective

po·​ten·​tial pə-ˈten-chəl 

: capable of becoming real : possible

aware of the potential dangers in a scheme

potentially

-ˈtench-(ə-)lē 

adverb

potential

2 of 2 noun

1

a

: something that can develop or become actual : possibility

a potential for injury

b

: promise entry 1 sense 3

an invention with great potential

2

a

: the work required to move a single positive charge from a reference point (as at infinity) to a point in question

b

: potential difference

Medical Definition

potential

1 of 2 adjective

po·​ten·​tial pə-ˈten-chəl 

: existing in possibility : capable of development into actuality

potentially

-ˈtench-(ə-)lē 

adverb

potential

2 of 2 noun

1

: something that can develop or become actual

2

a

: any of various functions from which the intensity or the velocity at any point in a field may be readily calculated

specifically : electrical potential

b

: potential difference