potency

noun

po·​ten·​cy ˈpō-tᵊn(t)-sē 

plural potencies

1

a

: force, power

b

: the quality or state of being potent

c

: the ability or capacity to achieve or bring about a particular result

2

: potentiality sense 1

Synonyms of potency

• power
• strength
• energy
• muscle
• capacity

Examples of potency in a Sentence

The potency of her words changed many minds in the audience that night.

Any vitamin of high potency should only be taken in the proper dosage.

Recent Examples on the Web

Baking Soda And Powder Both baking soda and baking powder lose their potency after a couple of years. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 10 Nov. 2025

Even if the date printed on the bottle says otherwise, most spices lose their flavor and potency after about 12 months. —Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Nov. 2025

Already one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, the 6-foot-7 swingman, still just 22, has exhibited flashes of potency on the other end of the court. —Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025

This restriction, however, does not apply to a medical cannabis combination business or lower-potency hemp edible retailer. —Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 26 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

potency

noun

po·​ten·​cy ˈpōt-ᵊn-sē 

plural potencies

: the quality or state of being potent

vitamins of high potency

especially : power to bring about a certain result

Medical Definition

potency

noun

po·​ten·​cy ˈpōt-ᵊn-sē 

plural potencies

: the quality or state of being potent: as

a

: chemical or medicinal strength or efficacy

a drug's potency

b

: the ability to copulate

—usually used of the male

c

: initial inherent capacity for development of a particular kind

cells with a potency for eye formation