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- Dictionarypotential/pəˈtɛnʃl/
adjective
- 1. having or showing the capacity to develop into something in the future: "a campaign to woo potential customers"
noun
- 1. latent qualities or abilities that may be developed and lead to future success or usefulness: "a young broadcaster with great potential"
- 2. the quantity determining the energy of mass in a gravitational field or of charge in an electric field: "a change in gravitational potential"
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POTENTIAL definition: 1. possible when the necessary conditions exist: 2. someone's or something's ability to develop…. Learn more.
Potential can be either good or bad. Studying hard increases the potential for success, but wet roads increase the potential for accidents. But when a person or thing "has potential", we always expect something good from it in the future. As an adjective (as in "potential losses", "potential benefits", etc.), potential usually means simply ...
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.
Definition of potential adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
Definitions of potential. adjective. existing in possibility. “a potential problem” synonyms: possible. latent. potentially existing but not presently evident or realized. see more. adjective. expected to become or be; in prospect. “ potential clients” synonyms: likely. prospective. of or concerned with or related to the future. noun.
The possibility that something might happen or result from given conditions: a tense situation with the potential to turn into a riot; farming practices that increase the potential for the erosion of topsoil.
qualities or abilities that may develop and allow someone or something to succeed: to achieve your full potential. She has a lot of potential as a writer. potential for sth/doing sth. the possibility that something may happen: There is the potential for some really interesting research.
What does the word potential mean? There are 11 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word potential, two of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. potential has developed meanings and uses in subjects including.
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. John seemed as horrified as I about his potential for violence. The meeting has the potential to be a watershed event.
[uncountable] the possibility of something happening or being developed or used. potential for something the potential for change. potential for doing something The European marketplace offers excellent potential for increasing sales. potential of something the huge potential of the American market.