potential

[ puh-ten-shuhl ]

/ pəˈtɛn ʃəl /

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Definition of potential

adjective

possible, as opposed to actual: the potential uses of nuclear energy.

capable of being or becoming: a potential danger to safety.

Grammar. expressing possibility: the potential subjunctive in Latin; the potential use of can in I can go.

Archaic. potent¹.

noun

possibility; potentiality: an investment that has little growth potential.

a latent excellence or ability that may or may not be developed.

Grammar.

a potential aspect, mood, construction, case, etc.
a form in the potential.

Electricity. electric potential (def. 1).

Mathematics, Physics. a type of function from which the intensity of a field may be derived, usually by differentiation.

someone or something that is considered a worthwhile possibility: The list of job applications has been narrowed to half a dozen potentials.

OTHER WORDS FOR potential

5 capacity, potency.

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Origin of potential

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English potencial (from Old French ), from Late Latin potentiālis. See potency, -al¹

synonym study for potential

2. See latent.

OTHER WORDS FROM potential

non·po·ten·tial, adjective, noun

Words nearby potential

Potemkin village, potence, potency, potent, potentate, potential, potential cautery, potential difference, potential divider, potential energy, potential gradient

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use potential in a sentence

One wonders what might have become of Rice, Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown had they lived to see their full potential.
How Laurence Fishburne Gave Voice To ‘The Autobiography Of Malcolm X’|Joi-Marie McKenzie|September 17, 2020|Essence.com
Though not without flaws, the OZ initiative still has extraordinary potential.
Opportunity Zones haven’t fully reached their potential, but don’t write them off yet|jakemeth|September 16, 2020|Fortune
Over the years, I have seen firsthand the immense potential of corporations to nurture economic justice.
Why McDonald’s sets the standard for equitable business models|jakemeth|September 16, 2020|Fortune
Even the potential for such a move is helping to keep the government’s borrowing costs down, investors say.
America’s $20 trillion debt is getting cheaper as it grows|McKenna Moore|September 12, 2020|Fortune

Other potential contenders include Stan Ng and Susan Prescott.
Apple’s leadership evolves ahead of a post-Tim Cook era|radmarya|September 12, 2020|Fortune
The eating disorder field remains divided over the potential efficacy of such measures.
How Skinny Is Too Skinny? Israel Bans ‘Underweight’ Models|Carrie Arnold|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
But, as the people of Irving are now discovering, all of this poking and prodding is not without potential consequences.
26 Earthquakes Later, Fracking’s Smoking Gun Is in Texas|James Joiner|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
First, they allow Paul to siphon off attention from whichever potential candidate is making news.
Rand Paul’s Passive-Aggressive Trolling Campaign|Olivia Nuzzi|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The brokers then scout out potential “crew members” who can earn substantial discounts for working the journey.
Ghost Ships of the Mediterranean|Barbie Latza Nadeau|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Is there any chance the potential 2016 hopeful will stand up to the right and embrace paid sick leave?
Christie Blames Parents for Bad Economy|Monica Potts|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Thus, Virginia is well-endowed geographically and has many potential resources for future progress.
Hallowed Heritage: The Life of Virginia|Dorothy M. Torpey
Then as a thin cloud of dust billowed up from the fallen rocks, a vision of its war potential burst upon him.
Restricted Tool|Malcolm B. Morehart
The crowd parted on either side, silenced and awed by the look of potential purpose in the face of this yesterday's hero.
When Valmond Came to Pontiac, Complete|Gilbert Parker
Equilibrium will be established whenever the potential of the system is equal to 0.
The Elements of Qualitative Chemical Analysis, vol. 1, parts 1 and 2.|Julius Stieglitz
Only the attorney who wraps the case around his heart can appreciate its vast potential.
The Professional Approach|Charles Leonard Harness

British Dictionary definitions for potential

potential

/ (pəˈtɛnʃəl) /

adjective

possible but not yet actual
(prenominal) capable of being or becoming but not yet in existence; latent

grammar (of a verb or form of a verb) expressing possibility, as English may and might

an archaic word for potent 1

noun

latent but unrealized ability or capacityJones has great potential as a sales manager

grammar a potential verb or verb form

short for electric potential

Derived forms of potential

potentially, adverb

Word Origin for potential

C14: from Old French potencial, from Late Latin potentiālis, from Latin potentia power

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for potential

potential

[ pə-tĕn′shəl ]

adj.

Capable of being but not yet in existence; latent.

The inherent ability or capacity for growth, development, or coming into being.

The work required to bring a unit electric charge, magnetic pole, or mass from an infinitely distant position to a designated point in a static electric, magnetic, or gravitational field, respectively.

The potential energy of a unit charge at any point in an electric circuit measured with respect to a specified reference point in the circuit or to ground; voltage.

potential

Definition of potential

OTHER WORDS FOR potential

Origin of potential

synonym study for potential

OTHER WORDS FROM potential

Words nearby potential

Words related to potential

How to use potential in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for potential

Derived forms of potential

Word Origin for potential

Medical definitions for potential