adjective, noun · neutral
potential
/pəˈtenʃəl/po·TEN·tial
possible in the future; capable of becoming something; (noun) the ability or capacity to develop into something in the future
Examples
“This start-up has real potential to grow into a major company.”
“There is potential for conflict if resources are limited.”
“She is a potential candidate for the scholarship.”
Band 8 sentence
“Many of these small enterprises show real potential, provided they can access capital and mentoring.”
Collocations
- potential for
- potential to
- potential candidate
Word family
Common mistakes
He is potential to become a leader.→He has the potential to become a leader.
A potentially student will start next year.→A prospective student will start next year.
Say it for a higher band
5possible→6likely→7+potential
Synonyms
possible
prospective
Easily confused
possible
“It is possible that the meeting will be postponed until next week.”
Related words
Learn this word with the rest of its set, and get reminded at the right time.
In -al
Learn it with its set