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

Chevron, 17% of the energy ETF, trades 12% below its 52-week high, showing a potential double bottom and institutional buying.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

But exercise bored Folan—until she read about yoga and was enticed by its spiritual dimension: the potential to tone one’s inner life, too.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

There could also be potential direct benefits to companies like Micron if the war ends and critical chip-making supplies can flow more easily through the Middle East, analysts note.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

Even if in jest, prosecutors said, the conversation suggested Sangha “does not appreciate the severity of her offenses, and instead sees her crimes as a potential future revenue stream.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

All the while, he heard their excited chats about their potential new home.

From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young

Related Words

• ability
• capability
• capacity
• potentiality
• power