possible, as opposed to actual

the potential uses of nuclear energy.

capable of being or becoming

a potential danger to safety.

Grammar . expressing possibility

the potential subjunctive in Latin; the potential use of can in I can go.

Archaic . potent 1 .

possibility; potentiality

an investment that has little growth potential.

a latent excellence or ability that may or may not be developed.

Grammar .

a potential aspect, mood, construction, case, etc.

a form in the potential.

Electricity . electric potential ( def. 1 ) .

Mathematics, Physics . a type of function from which the intensity of a field may be derived, usually by differentiation.

someone or something that is considered a worthwhile possibility

The list of job applications has been narrowed to half a dozen potentials.

adjective

helpless , impossible , lacking , unpromising

noun

impossible , lack

adjective

abeyant , budding , conceivable , dormant , embryonic , future , hidden , imaginable , implied , inherent , latent , likely , lurking , plausible , possible , prepatent , probable , quiescent , thinkable , undeveloped , unrealized , within realm of possibility , eventual , potentially , prima facie

noun

ability , aptitude , capability , capacity , potentiality , power , the makings , what it takes , wherewithal , concealed , latent , manque , possibility , possible , promising , undeveloped , unfulfilled , unrealized