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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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

The potential energy generation facing delays is the equivalent of 59 traditional nuclear reactors, enough to power more than 44 million homes simultaneously.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 9, 2026

In the stock market, money, like mass, held within itself its own potential energy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

That and a spike in natural-gas prices have global markets on edge, fearing a potential energy shock.

From Barron's • Mar. 3, 2026

Trapped in underground rocks, a potential energy resource has eluded generations of British politicians.

From BBC • Aug. 25, 2025

And less sticking means that less potential energy builds up in the fault.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland