Potential Meaning

UK /pəˈtɛnʃəl/
US /pəˈtɛnʃəl/
Word Definition
potential meaning

Potential Definition & Usage

adjective

Having or showing the capacity to develop into something in the future; latent but capable of being realized.

Examples

  • "She has a lot of potential as an artist, but she needs more practice."
  • "The new technology has the potential to change the way we live."
  • "He's a potential leader, with all the qualities necessary to inspire others."
  • "The company sees great potential in the emerging market."
  • "With more training, her potential could be fully realized."
noun

The inherent ability or capacity for growth, development, or future success.

Examples

  • "His potential as a musician is immense, but it will take time."
  • "The potential for success is high if the team continues to work together."
  • "There is untapped potential in the renewable energy sector."
  • "The coach believes in my potential, even though I’ve only just started playing."
  • "Unlocking the potential of the youth population could be a game-changer for the economy."

Cultural Context

The word 'potential' originates from the Latin word 'potentia', meaning power or ability. It has been used in various contexts from philosophy to business to indicate something that can be realized in the future.

The Unseen Path

Story

The Unseen Path

As she stood at the edge of the basketball court, Sarah looked out at the other players with a mixture of awe and doubt. She wasn’t the tallest, nor was she the fastest. But there was something about her, a quiet energy, that the coach had noticed from the moment she joined the team. Her potential wasn’t immediately visible in her performances, but the coach could see it — a hidden ability that only needed the right conditions to flourish. "You’ve got potential, Sarah," Coach Williams had said during their first practice. "But you need to believe it yourself. We’ll work on it together." The team had laughed it off, thinking it was just coach speak, but Sarah had heard the seriousness in his voice. Potential wasn’t just a word; it was a promise. A promise that with time, hard work, and patience, she could become something much greater. The weeks that followed were filled with long practices, tough feedback, and moments of self-doubt. But Sarah didn’t give up. She began to see the growth in her game — her shooting accuracy improved, her confidence surged, and she even started to lead the team in scrimmages. Her potential, once hidden beneath layers of uncertainty, was starting to shine. By the time the playoffs arrived, Sarah was a key player, no longer defined by her physical limitations but by the potential she had unlocked within herself. Her growth wasn’t just a testament to her own work but to the vision of Coach Williams, who had seen her potential long before she could see it herself. And as she sunk the game-winning shot in the final seconds of the championship game, Sarah knew that the potential the coach had seen in her was no longer just a possibility; it had become her reality. In the end, Sarah’s journey wasn’t just about basketball — it was about discovering the potential inside herself, the ability to overcome challenges, and the strength to believe in something greater than what was immediately visible.

The Unseen Path