# potency

/ˈpoʊtənsi/ (US) · /pˈəʊtənsi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/potency
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

the power or strength of something, like a medicine or a person's influence. It describes how effective or strong a thing is.

For teachers: the inherent capacity or power to produce a desired effect; the strength or efficacy of a substance or argument.

## Examples

- The medicine lost its potency after the expiration date.
- Doctors were surprised by the potency of the new drug, as it required a much smaller dose than previous versions.
- The political speech gained potency not from its volume, but from the speaker's ability to articulate the shared frustrations of the working class.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the general quality of strength; countable when referring to specific levels or types of power.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.