potential

American  

[puh-ten-shuhl] / pəˈtɛn ʃəl /

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.

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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.

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 British  

/ 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

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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

Related Words

See latent.

Other Word Forms

• nonpotential adjective
• potentially adverb

Etymology

Origin of potential

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English potencial (from Old French ), from Late Latin potentiālis. See potency, -al ¹

Example Sentences

The company previously said it sees annual peak sales potential of more than $3 billion for the drug candidate.

From The Wall Street Journal

However, scientists have not widely explored their potential for diagnosing other illnesses.

From Science Daily

It cited disruptions to supply chains in the Strait of Hormuz as a potential cause for increased volatility in the oil markets.

From The Wall Street Journal

"After a breach it's essential that individuals are informed exactly what has happened to their data and what the potential risk might be to their privacy," says data protection consultant Carl Gottleib.

From BBC

Last week, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dropped below 6% for the first time in 3½ years, giving a potential boost to the long-suffering housing market just before the important spring selling season.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• ability
• capability
• capacity
• potentiality
• power