potential applies to what does not yet have existence or effect but is likely soon to have.

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 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.

If you say that someone or something has potential for doing a particular thing, you mean that it is possible they may do it. If there is the potential for something, it may happen.

Definition of potential noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. [uncountable] the possibility of something happening or being developed or used. potential for doing something The European …

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, …

possibility: That investment has little growth potential. a talent or ability that is present but that may or may not be developed yet: She had great potential as a gymnast.

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

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]