/ Dictionary / Index P potential: Meaning and Definition of Find definitions for: po•ten•tial Pronunciation: (pu-ten'shul), [key] — adj. possible, as opposed to actual: the potential uses of nuclear energy. capable of being or becoming: a potential danger to safety. expressing possibility:can in I can go. the potential subjunctive in Latin; the potential use of potent. —n. possibility; potentiality: an investment that has little growth potential. a latent excellence or ability that may or may not be developed. a potential aspect, mood, construction, case, etc. a form in the potential. See(def. 1). 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. Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease. See also: potential (Thesaurus) potentate potential difference Related Content Daily Word Quiz: careening Analogy of the Day: Today’s Analogy Spelling Bee: Today’s Spelling Bee Frequently Misspelled Words Frequently Mispronounced Words Easily Confused Words Writing & Language