potential energy

American  

[puh-ten-shuhl en-er-jee] / pəˈtɛn ʃəl ˈɛn ər dʒi /

noun

Physics.

1. the energy of a body or a system with respect to the position of the body or the arrangement of the particles of the system.

---

potential energy British  

noun

1.  Ep.   V.   U.   φ.   PE.  the energy of a body or system as a result of its position in an electric, magnetic, or gravitational field. It is measured in joules (SI units), electronvolts, ergs, etc

---

potential energy Scientific  

1. The energy possessed by a body as a result of its position or condition rather than its motion. A raised weight, coiled spring, or charged battery has potential energy.

2. Compare kinetic energy

---

potential energy Cultural  

1. The energy an object has because of its position, rather than its motion. An object held in a person's hand has potential energy, which turns to kinetic energy — the energy of motion — when the person lets it go, and it drops to the ground.

---

Etymology

Origin of potential energy

First recorded in 1850–55

Compare meaning

How does potential-energy compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• kinetic energy vs. potential energy
• kinetic vs. potential energy

Example Sentences

Some patient and health groups have also raised potential concerns about the change - or disruption - such an appointment can bring.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

Rodgers identified potential concerns surrounding anti-money laundering and identity theft laws.

From Salon • Mar. 30, 2026

Treasurys could be vulnerable as this raises uncertainty over tariff policies and potential concerns about U.S. government funding, Commerzbank analysts said in a note.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

The second part of the study, conducted from March 2023 to February 2024 with about 200 respondents, placed the list of potential concerns at either the beginning or the end of the survey.

From Science Daily • May 14, 2024

On Monday, Chris Jankowski, the chief executive of Never Back Down, sent donors a memo to assuage potential concerns about spending.

From New York Times • Aug. 1, 2023