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

• 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

Notably, this same mechanism underlies cocaine’s effects, highlighting its potency. —Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025

Some are on par in potency with fentanyl, which has taken the lives of hundreds of thousands of drug users in just the last five years, compounding the already dire, decades-long opioid crisis in the country. —Connor Greene, Time, 16 Sep. 2025

There is currently no data confirming what amount (potency), frequency or timing of cannabis use in safe during pregnancy, Lo added. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 15 Sep. 2025

Confidence in the offense’s potency waned. —Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 15 Sep. 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