As an adjective (as in "potential losses", "potential benefits", etc.), potential usually means simply "possible".

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

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

The team's newest player shows great potential. [= promise] He has the potential to be one of the team's best players. She has leadership potential. [=she could become a successful leader]

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.

It describes something or someone that has the power to become something. A potential success is not yet a success but could be if circumstances are right. When a situation has the potential for disaster, …

potential meaning, definition, what is potential: likely to develop into a particular type...: Learn more.

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.

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 …

Potential definition: Capable of being but not yet in existence; latent or undeveloped.