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 of potentiality

• possibility
• potential

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

Time, not thriftily spent but flagrantly wasted at cards or the wheel, is brought to a standstill right at the moment of its greatest potentiality—this would have to be the ultimate payoff. — Artforum, 28 Sep. 2026

Work commenced on the record three months after Drewchin welcomed the arrival of her first child, Nova, a period in which she was consumed with the reality and potentialities of being a new parent. — Colin Joyce, Pitchfork, 20 July 2026

Takeovers are at once a timeless illustration of the volatility of crowds—perhaps especially adolescent crowds—and of the much newer potentialities unleashed by the internet a few decades ago. — Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026

But that potentiality feels nascent in Slater’s current rendering of the part rather than fully acknowledged and explored. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for potentiality

• abnormality
• cardinality
• commonality
• communality
• cordiality
• corporeality
• criminality
• criticality
• functionality
• generality
• geniality
• hospitality

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