potential applies to what does not yet have existence or effect but is likely soon to have.

POTENTIAL definition: possible, as opposed to actual. See examples of potential used in a sentence.

POTENTIAL definition: 1. possible when the necessary conditions exist: 2. someone's or something's ability to develop…. Learn more.

In physics, a potential may refer to the scalar potential or to the vector potential. In either case, it is a field defined in space, from which many important physical properties may be derived.

If you say that someone or something has potential for doing a particular thing, you mean that it is possible they may do it. If there is the potential for something, it may happen.

The inherent ability or capacity for growth, development, or future success: an investment with a lot of potential; a singer who has the potential to become a major star.

Jan 20, 2026 · Noun potential (countable and uncountable, plural potentials) A currently unrealized ability (with the most common adposition being to). Even from a young age it was clear that she had …