plenipotentiary

American  

[plen-uh-puh-ten-shee-er-ee, -shuh-ree] / ˌplɛn ə pəˈtɛn ʃiˌɛr i, -ʃə ri /

noun

plural

plenipotentiaries

1. a person, especially a diplomatic agent, invested with full power or authority to transact business on behalf of another.

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adjective

1. invested with full power or authority, as a diplomatic agent.

2. conferring or bestowing full power, as a commission.

3. absolute or full, as power.

plenipotentiary British  

/ ˌplɛnɪpəˈtɛnʃərɪ /

adjective

1. (esp of a diplomatic envoy) invested with or possessing full power or authority

2. conferring full power or authority

3. (of power or authority) full; absolute

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noun

1. a person invested with full authority to transact business, esp a diplomat authorized to represent a country See also envoy 1

Etymology

Origin of plenipotentiary

From the Medieval Latin word plēnipotentiārius, dating back to 1635–45. See plenipotent, -i-, -ary

Explanation

An ambassador who independently represents their home country in another country can be called a plenipotentiary. The word plenipotentiary comes from Latin roots, plenus, "complete or full," and potentem, "powerful." Someone who is a plenipotentiary literally has full powers to represent their government — the prime minister or president has officially authorized them to sign treaties or other agreements on behalf of that government. Some (but not all) diplomats are plenipotentiaries.

Example Sentences

Speer was given a 20-year prison sentence while Fritz Sauckel, Hitler’s general plenipotentiary for labor mobilization, was hanged for almost exactly the same crimes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 24, 2025

According to Marcin Horala, the Polish government's plenipotentiary responsible for overseeing the hub's construction, it is one of the most important projects underway in central and eastern Europe for military and civilian use.

From Reuters • Nov. 21, 2022

The third and final point of the plan would grant the region its own prime minister, who would be “a legitimate and plenipotentiary representative of ARD in talks with international structures.”

From Slate • Mar. 16, 2022

If his vocabulary was lacking, there was always that nerdish classmate of his who, for a fee in cash or kind, could take on the role of scribe plenipotentiary.

From BBC • Feb. 4, 2017

In 1679 Gyllenstjerna was appointed the Swedish plenipotentiary at the peace congress of Lund.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 7 "Gyantse" to "Hallel" by Various