noun
potential
puh-TEHN-shuhl
noun
1
An ability or quality that hasn't yet been developed or shown.
"The coach saw real potential in the young player."
"This idea has the potential to change the whole industry."
adj
1
Possible, but not yet actual or certain.
"They discussed several potential locations for the new office."
How to Use Potential
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that could happen or develop, but hasn't yet — an untapped ability or a possible outcome.
Common pairings
reach your potential
potential risk
potential customer
untapped potential
Word Forms
potentials plural
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Etymology
From Late Latin potentialis, based on Latin potentia ('power'), itself from potens ('powerful').