potentiality

noun

po·​ten·​ti·​al·​i·​ty pə-ˌten(t)-shē-ˈa-lə-tē How to pronounce potentiality (audio)
plural potentialities
1
: the ability to develop or come into existence
2

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 My moral object, therefore, is to attempt to direct the efforts of men toward the clear appreciation of reality, exposing the illusory in order that man may realize his creative potentialities. Andrew Aoyama, The Atlantic, 28 Feb. 2024 This is a negative freedom that does not expand one’s sense of self so much as shrink it to pure potentiality. Merve Emre, The New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2023 The Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, among others, did away with the fertilization language, opting instead for the idea of potentiality — that an embryo was defined by its capacity to generate a human being. Megan Molteni, STAT, 17 Aug. 2023 Stimson, while emphasizing the peace-time potentiality of the new force, made clear that much research must be undertaken to effect full peacetime application of its principles. Merrie Monteagudo, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 2023 Dolfino explained his interest in the education industry in this way stems from the potentialities higher education often affords. Steven Aquino, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2023 He was immediately captivated by the potentiality of computer software to do good in the world, citing Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg’s respective journeys to connect people via technology. Steven Aquino, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2023 That could also determine whether there are charges in connection with the other statutes there -- potentiality (ph). ABC News, 28 Aug. 2022 And that one, when connected to that other one, sparks something: an energy, a knowledge, a potentiality that is so much bigger than that one. Evan Nicole Brown, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 July 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'potentiality.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of potentiality was in 1625

Dictionary Entries Near potentiality

Cite this Entry

“Potentiality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potentiality. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

potentiality

noun
po·​ten·​ti·​al·​i·​ty pə-ˌten-chē-ˈal-ət-ē How to pronounce potentiality (audio)
plural potentialities
1
: the ability to develop or to come into existence
2

More from Merriam-Webster on potentiality

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!