Meaning of potential In English

• 0 possible when the necessary conditions exist:

  • A number of potential buyers have expressed interest in the company.

  • Many potential customers are waiting for a fall in prices before buying.

  • The accident is a grim reminder of the potential dangers involved in North Sea oil production.

• 1 someone's or something's ability to develop, achieve, or succeed:

  • The region has enormous potential for economic development.

  • I don't feel I'm achieving my full potential in my present job.

  • [ + to infinitive ] You have the potential to reach the top of your profession.

  • I think this room has got a lot of potential (= could be very nice if some changes were made to it).

• 2 the amount of electricity passing through an electric circuit, measured in volts

• 3 possible but not yet achieved:

  • He was eager to talk with potential customers.

• 4 Someone’s potential is an ability the person has not yet developed:

  • She keeps saying I should live up to my potential.

• 5 able to develop into something in the future when the necessary conditions exist:

  • There are potential problems at every stage of the drug production chain.

  • A number of potential buyers are thought to have shown interest.

  • a potential cost/market

• 6 the possibility of something developing or happening in a particular way:

  • have the potential for sth/to do sth These equity securities are believed to have the potential for high earnings growth.

  • commercial/economic potential

  • growth/market/sales potential

• 7 natural qualities or abilities that mean that someone or something may or should succeed or achieve something:

  • enormous/great/huge potential This marketing idea has great potential.

  • We have put additional resources into the company to ensure it reaches its full potential in Scotland.

  • have the potential to be sth He has the potential to be the very best.