What does "potential" mean?

1. (latent ability) the natural ability or quality that could make someone or something successful in the future. 2. (physics/energy) the amount of energy a particle has because of its position, like electricity or gravity. 3. (possible but not yet real) describing something that might happen or exist, even if it is not real yet. 4. (grammar) relating to a verb form that shows something is possible.

How do you use "potential"?

Commonly used in the patterns 'potential for' or 'potential to'. Often functions as an uncountable noun in technical contexts. Almost always used as an attributive adjective, appearing before the noun it modifies.

potential

n. · adj.

US //pəˈtɛnʃəɫ// UK //pətˈɛnʃəl// po·ten·tial

1 latent ability (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate General-service

the natural ability or quality that could make someone or something successful in the future.

the inherent capacity for growth, development, or future success. Often used with the preposition 'for' or followed by an infinitive.

Example

The young teacher saw great potential in her students and encouraged them to study hard.

Example

The venture capitalists recognised the startup's potential for market disruption, despite its currently modest revenue streams.

Usage

Commonly used in the patterns 'potential for' or 'potential to'.
- impotence
- inability
2 physics/energy (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Science

the amount of energy a particle has because of its position, like electricity or gravity.

the quantity of energy per unit of charge or mass at a given point in a field, such as an electric or gravitational field.

Example

The battery has a high electrical potential that powers the entire device.

Example

In this experiment, we must calculate the gravitational potential at various distances from the planet's surface to determine the escape velocity.

Usage

Often functions as an uncountable noun in technical contexts.
- voltage

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3 possible but not yet real (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate General-service

describing something that might happen or exist, even if it is not real yet.

existing in possibility rather than actuality; describing a latent state that may be realised.

Example

The manager interviewed several potential candidates for the new job opening.

Example

The city council identified several potential sites for the new library, though a final decision depends on the upcoming budget review.

Usage

Almost always used as an attributive adjective, appearing before the noun it modifies.
4 grammar (adj.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Formal Science

relating to a verb form that shows something is possible.

referring to a mood or verbal construction that expresses possibility or capability.

Example

In some languages, a potential form of the verb is used to say 'I can go'.

Example

The linguist analysed the potential mood in the text to determine how the author expressed hypothetical outcomes.

Teacher's tip

This is a highly specialised linguistic term; general learners will rarely encounter it outside of advanced grammar studies.

Origin

From Late Latin potentialis, from Latin potentia (“power”), from potens (“powerful”). By surface analysis, potent + -ial.

Word family

Nounpotential
Adverbpotentially