potential
gb/pətˈɛnʃəl/ us/pətˈɛnʃəl/
B1
English
~ 1900
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
possibility of future success or growth
The ability to grow, improve, or be successful in the future.
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] has potential
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'potential' with 'potent', but 'potent' means 'very strong or powerful'.
Synonyms
promise (Suggests signs of future success, often in talent or skill.)
Antonyms
limitation (Refers to a restriction that prevents growth or success.)
Collocations
great potential
|full potential
|untapped potential
|realize potential
|show potential
Themes
personal_development
|education
|business
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She has great potential as a leader.
- This new technology has the potential to change the industry.
- The young athlete showed incredible potential during the tryouts.
Learner examples
- He has great potential in music.
- This idea has potential to make money.
- The student has big potential for success.
adjective
B1
property
2
possible but not yet real
Able to become something in the future, but not yet real.
Usage pattern:
potential [problem/benefit/candidate/etc.]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'possible' instead of 'potential' when they mean 'capable of developing in the future'. 'Potential' often implies a capacity rather than just chance.
Synonyms
possible (General term for something that might happen or exist.)
Antonyms
impossible (Something that cannot happen or exist.)
Collocations
potential danger
|potential customer
|potential solution
|potential outcome
Themes
general
|prediction
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- We need to consider all potential risks before starting.
- She is a potential candidate for the job.
- This is a potential solution to our problem.
Learner examples
- This is a potential problem.
- He is a potential winner.
- There is a potential danger on the road.
Noun
technical
B2
entity
3
energy due to position or condition
Energy an object has because of where it is or what it is like, not because it is moving.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'potential energy' with 'kinetic energy', which is energy of movement.
Synonyms
stored energy (Non-technical phrase meaning energy kept in position or form.)
Antonyms
kinetic energy (Energy of an object in motion, opposite of stored energy.)
Collocations
potential energy
|electric potential
Themes
science
|physics
Examples
- A rock at the top of a hill has gravitational potential energy.
- The battery stores electrical potential until used.
- Scientists measured the electric potential across the circuit.
Learner examples
- The ball has potential energy at the top.
- Water behind a dam has potential energy.
- A battery has electric potential.
Grammar
Dictionary form
potential
IPA
GB/pətˈɛnʃəl/
US/pətˈɛnʃəl/
Syllables & stress
po - ten - tial (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ten)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: potential
Noun
- Base: potential
- Plural: potential, potentials
Word family
Expressions
full potential
1/fˈʊl pətˈɛnʃəl/
fixed phrase
maximum possible ability or level
The best or highest level that someone or something can be.
Examples
- She finally reached her full potential as an artist.
- The program helps students achieve their full potential.
reach one's potential
1/ɹˈit͡ʃ wˈʌnz pətˈɛnʃəl/
fixed phrase
achieve maximum ability possible
To become as good as you can be.
Examples
- With guidance, she reached her full potential.
- The coach helps players reach their potential.
untapped potential
1/ʌntˈæpt pətˈɛnʃəl/
fixed phrase
unused ability or resources
Ability or resources that have not been used yet.
Examples
- The region has a lot of untapped potential for tourism.
- He has untapped potential as a writer.