potentially
possibly, but not for sure
Used to say that something can happen or be true in the future, but we do not know for sure.
potentially [adjective]
- The drug is potentially dangerous if taken with alcohol.
- This deal could potentially save the company millions of dollars.
- Working from home is potentially very beneficial for parents with young children.
- Leaving the data unencrypted is potentially a serious security risk.
- The new policy is potentially good news for small businesses.
- This food is potentially harmful if you do not cook it well.
- The new job is potentially very exciting for her.
- That decision is potentially a big mistake.
- The storm is potentially a problem for travelers.
- This idea is potentially very useful for our project.
- Base: potentially
- Plural: potentiallies
could potentially
1might happen in the future
Used to say that something might happen in the future, but we do not know if it will.
- This change could potentially affect thousands of customers.
- The discovery could potentially lead to a new treatment for cancer.
- A long delay could potentially cause us to lose the contract.
potentially dangerous
1possibly able to cause harm
May cause harm or injury, but we are not sure if it will.
- The chemicals stored in the garage are potentially dangerous to children.
- Driving in heavy fog is potentially dangerous, so please slow down.
- This software bug is potentially dangerous because it could expose user data.
potentially deadly
1may be able to kill
May cause death, but it is not sure that it will.
- Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and potentially deadly gas.
- Climbing without proper equipment can be potentially deadly.
- The virus is mild for most people but potentially deadly for the elderly.
potentially harmful
1may cause damage or bad effects
May cause damage, illness, or other bad results, but we do not know if it will.
- The report warns that the new pesticide is potentially harmful to bees.
- Some online trends can be potentially harmful to young people.
- Doctors are studying whether the drug is potentially harmful during pregnancy.
potentially life-threatening
1may put someone's life at risk
May be so serious that it could cause death, but we do not know if it will.
- Allergic reactions to peanuts can be potentially life-threatening.
- It is important to treat this infection quickly because it is potentially life-threatening.
- This condition is rare but potentially life-threatening if left untreated.
potentially serious
1may be severe or important
May be very bad or important, but we do not know if it will be.
- Doctors ran more tests because it could be a potentially serious problem.
- The company faces potentially serious legal issues.
- This is a potentially serious mistake that could affect many customers.
potentially useful
1may be helpful or effective
May be helpful or good to use, but we are not sure yet.
- This tool looks potentially useful for our research.
- He shared several potentially useful ideas at the meeting.
- The app is still in beta but already seems potentially useful for travelers.