potential

Universal Words adjective, noun adjective [onlybeforenoun] that can develop into sth or be developed in the future SYNPOSSIBLE: potential customers * a potential source of conflict * the potential benefits of European integration * a potential prime minister * First we need to identify actual and potential problems. potentially adverb: a potentially dangerous situation noun 1 [U] ~ (for / for doing sth) the possibility of sth happening or being developed or used: the potential for change * The European marketplace offers excellent potential for increasing sales. 2 [U] qualities that exist and can be developed: All children should be encouraged to realize their full potential. * She has great potential as an artist. * He has the potential to become a world-class musician. * The house has a lot of potential. 3 [U,C] (physics) the difference in VOLTAGE between two points in an electric field or CIRCUIT