Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Possible but not yet actual; having or showing the capacity to develop into something in the future. This describes something that exists as a possibility or inherent ability, but is not currently realized or active.
   • (Physics) Relating to or denoting electric potential. This is a technical usage describing stored energy in an electric field.

2. Noun:

   • Latent qualities or abilities that may be developed and lead to future success or usefulness. This refers to someone's or something's inherent capacity for growth or achievement.
   • (Physics) The difference in electrical charge between two points in a circuit, expressed in volts. This is the quantity that causes electricity to flow.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:

  • The company identified several potential investors for the new project.
  • We need to assess the potential risks before launching the product.
  • She is a potential candidate for the leadership position.

• Noun:

  • The young athlete has great potential and could become a champion.
  • This technology has the potential to revolutionize the industry.
  • The electrician measured the potential across the terminals.

Advanced Usage

• "To realize/fulfill one's potential": To achieve what one is capable of.
  • With hard work, she was able to realize her full potential.
• "Potential for": Used to indicate the possibility of something happening.
  • There is a high potential for growth in this market.
• "Untapped potential": Capacity or ability that has not yet been used or developed.
  • The region has untapped potential for tourism.

Variants and Related Words

• Potentially (adverb): Used to say that something may happen or be true.
  • The decision is potentially very damaging.
• Potentiality (noun): The state or quality of having potential; a possibility.
  • We are exploring the potentialities of artificial intelligence.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Possible, likely, prospective, future, budding, embryonic.
• Noun: Possibility, capability, capacity, aptitude, promise.

Antonyms

• Adjective: Actual, real, manifest, developed.
• Noun: Inability, incapacity, reality.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "A potential goldmine": Something that has the possibility of yielding great profit or success.
  • The new app idea is a potential goldmine.
• "To reach one's potential": Similar to "fulfill one's potential."
  • The program is designed to help students reach their academic potential.

Adjective

1. expected to become or be; in prospect
   • potential clients
2. existing in possibility
   • a potential problem
   • possible uses of nuclear power

Noun

1. the difference in electrical charge between two points in a circuit expressed in volts
2. the inherent capacity for coming into being