Word
Definitions
01latent ability
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun General-service
n. the natural ability or quality that could make someone or something successful in the future.
n. the inherent capacity for growth, development, or future success. Often used with the preposition 'for' or followed by an infinitive.
“The young teacher saw great potential in her students and encouraged them to study hard.”
“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'.
Synonyms
02physics/energy
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. the amount of energy a particle has because of its position, like electricity or gravity.
n. the quantity of energy per unit of charge or mass at a given point in a field, such as an electric or gravitational field.
“The battery has a high electrical potential that powers the entire device.”
“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.
Synonyms
03possible but not yet real
B2 · Upper Intermediate General-service
adj. describing something that might happen or exist, even if it is not real yet.
adj. existing in possibility rather than actuality; describing a latent state that may be realised.
“The manager interviewed several potential candidates for the new job opening.”
“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.
Synonyms
04grammar
C2 · Proficiency Science Technical · Formal
adj. relating to a verb form that shows something is possible.
adj. referring to a mood or verbal construction that expresses possibility or capability.
“In some languages, a potential form of the verb is used to say 'I can go'.”
“The linguist analysed the potential mood in the text to determine how the author expressed hypothetical outcomes.”
Teaching tip
This is a highly specialised linguistic term; general learners will rarely encounter it outside of advanced grammar studies.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “potential” in context.
Verb
01. assess potential
“The scouts will assess the potential of the young players during the tournament.”
verb + noun
02. exploit potential
“The company needs to exploit its full potential to stay ahead of the competition.”
verb + noun
03. explore potential
“We are meeting today to explore the potential for a new partnership.”
verb + noun
04. have potential
“This new software has the potential to revolutionize the way we work.”
verb + noun
05. highlight potential
“The report aims to highlight the potential risks associated with the project.”
verb + noun
06. limit potential
“Lack of funding could severely limit the potential of the research project.”
verb + noun
07. maximise potential
“Our goal is to help every student maximise their potential through personalized learning.”
verb + noun
08. offer potential
“The emerging market offers great potential for international investors.”
verb + noun
09. reach potential
“With the right coaching, she can definitely reach her full potential as an athlete.”
verb + noun
10. realise potential
“It took several years for him to finally realise his potential as a writer.”
verb + noun
Adjective
11. considerable potential
“The new drug shows considerable potential in treating the disease.”
adj + noun
Noun
12. potential exist
“Great potential exists for growth in the renewable energy sector.”
noun + verb
Real-World Examples
“Though the extended World Cup run also means Hansi Flick will have to handle potential burnout, Barca’s youthful roster should be resilient.” “The National Trust, which runs Wallington, said it hoped to expand the potential habitat for the moth.” “Leading up to the eclipse itself, experts were warning only genuine specially-designed solar eclipse glasses should be used, and that ordinary sunglasses or other devices were not enough to prevent potential damage.” “To find an exoplanet is very difficult; to find one in the Goldilocks zone is even harder; to detect potential biosignatures is harder still.” Etymology
From Late Latin potentialis, from Latin potentia (“power”), from potens (“powerful”). By surface analysis, potent + -ial.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Related words
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/potential
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0