potential
puh-TEHN-shuhl
Potential (noun) means an ability or quality that hasn't yet been developed or shown. Example: “Her teachers all agreed that she had enormous potential as a writer.”
noun
1
An ability or quality that hasn't yet been developed or shown.
"Her teachers all agreed that she had enormous potential as a writer."
"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.
"The company contacted several potential customers before launching the new product."
"A potential problem with the plan is that it depends on good weather."
"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
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Word forms
- Plural
- potentials
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Her teachers all agreed that she had enormous _____ as a writer.
Etymology
From Late Latin potentialis, based on Latin potentia ('power'), itself from potens ('powerful').
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for potential
See all rhymes for potential →Frequently asked questions
What does “potential” mean?
The word “potential” means an ability or quality that hasn't yet been developed or shown. In plain terms, something that could happen or develop, but hasn't yet — an untapped ability or a possible outcome.
How do you pronounce “potential”?
“Potential” is pronounced puh-TEHN-shuhl (/pəˈtɛnʃəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “potential” in a sentence?
Here is “potential” used in a sentence: “The coach saw real potential in the young player.”
What is another word for “potential”?
Words with a similar meaning to “potential” include noumenon and spirit.
What is the opposite of “potential”?
The opposite of “potential” — its antonyms — are matter and phenomenon.
What part of speech is “potential”?
Depending on how it is used, “potential” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “potential” come from?
The word “potential” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin potentialis, based on Latin potentia ('power'), itself from potens ('powerful').
Is “potential” a common word?
“Potential” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between potential and talent?
Talent is a natural ability you already have and can show right now. Potential is capacity that hasn't yet been developed — what you could become with time and effort. Someone can have great potential without obvious talent, and plenty of talent while never fulfilling their potential.
Can potential be measured?
Not precisely. Potential describes future possibility, so it can only be estimated rather than directly measured — through aptitude tests, past performance, or expert judgment. These indicators suggest capacity but can't guarantee it, because whether potential is realized also depends on effort, opportunity, and circumstance.
What does it mean to reach your potential?
Reaching your potential means developing your latent abilities to their fullest — turning what you could do into what you actually achieve. It implies you've closed the gap between your capacity and your performance, leaving little ability untapped. It's often used as an aspiration in education, sport, and careers.
Is potential a positive word?
Generally yes. Telling someone they have potential is a compliment about their promise and their capacity to grow. However, the phrase 'unfulfilled' or 'wasted potential' carries real disappointment, implying valuable ability that was never developed. So the word is hopeful, though it can also hint at what has been missed.
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