potential
n. uncountablen. the possibility that someone or something will develop or succeed in the future. You use it when you see hidden talent or power that is not yet fully used.
n. latent qualities or abilities that may be developed and lead to future success or usefulness. Often used to describe the inherent capacity for growth or achievement in a person or system.
The young athlete shows great potential.
The old warehouse has the potential to become a beautiful modern apartment building with just a few renovations.
While the initial results were modest, the research team recognized the potential for a significant breakthrough in renewable energy storage if they could stabilize the chemical reaction.
From Late Latin potentialis, from Latin potentia (“power”), from potens (“powerful”). By surface analysis, potent + -ial.
Typically uncountable when referring to general ability or possibility; often followed by the preposition 'for' or 'to'.
He has many potentials.He has a lot of potential.In its general sense of 'future ability', the noun is uncountable and should not be used in the plural.