potentiality

noun

po·​ten·​ti·​al·​i·​ty pə-ˌten(t)-shē-ˈa-lə-tē 

plural potentialities

1

: the ability to develop or come into existence

2

: potential sense 1

Synonyms

• capability
• eventuality
• possibility
• potential
• prospect

Examples of potentiality in a Sentence

would like to see a colony on the moon as an actuality and not merely a potentiality

Recent Examples on the Web

Practically, then, the translator reads with an eye to understanding the affordances offered by a text—to re-creating its potentialities, rather than merely offering a lexical equivalent. —Max Norman, The New Yorker, 7 Dec. 2024

Meanwhile, parsing-of-totality depends on advancing sensing techniques to harness atoms’ deeper patterns and potentiality. —Pravir Malik, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024

The younger generations tend to be the most concerned about the potentiality of AI stepping on their toes. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 24 Nov. 2024

But that year’s election centered mostly on style, policy, and potentiality. —Michael Szalma, Orlando Sentinel, 10 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

potentiality

noun

po·​ten·​ti·​al·​i·​ty pə-ˌten-chē-ˈal-ət-ē 

plural potentialities

1

: the ability to develop or to come into existence

2

: potential entry 2 sense 1a