latent

1 of 2

adjective

la·​tent ˈlā-tᵊnt 

: present and capable of emerging or developing but not now visible, obvious, active, or symptomatic

a latent infection

latently adverb

latent

2 of 2

noun

: a fingerprint (as at the scene of a crime) that is scarcely visible but can be developed for study

called also latent fingerprint, latent print

Synonyms

Adjective

• dormant
• off

Choose the Right Synonym for latent

latent, dormant, quiescent, potential mean not now showing signs of activity or existence.

latent applies to a power or quality that has not yet come forth but may emerge and develop.

a latent desire for success

dormant suggests the inactivity of something (such as a feeling or power) as though sleeping.

their passion had lain dormant

quiescent suggests a usually temporary cessation of activity.

the disease was quiescent

potential applies to what does not yet have existence or effect but is likely soon to have.

a potential disaster

Examples of latent in a Sentence

Adjective

On the ground in Afghanistan there is some latent, if wary, gratitude for American aid over the years, but no one expects to build a foundation for the Taliban's downfall on a couple of million rice cakes. —Michael Duffy, Time, 15 Oct. 2001

There were such inexhaustible possibilities still before her, such opportunities to bring out the latent graces of the old place, without a single irreverent touch of alteration, that the winter months were all too short to plan what spring and autumn executed. —Edith Wharton, Afterward, 1910

Calm, gentle, passionless, as he appeared, there was yet, we fear, a quiet depth of malice, hitherto latent, but active now, in this unfortunate old man, which led him to imagine a more intimate revenge than any mortal had ever wreaked upon an enemy. —Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Scarlet Letter, 1850

he has a latent talent for acting that he hasn't had a chance to express yet

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Sometimes, pinning a word to an experience—umami, for example—can reveal a latent appreciation for something that was there all along. —Cathy Erway, Saveur, 6 Aug. 2025

Investigators found a latent cached screenshot on his iPhone. Triplett was sentenced in December 2021 for killing 14-year-old Arion Lilly, who was shot in the back after leaving a barber shop, lawyers said. —Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 31 July 2025

Noun

Instead of viewing budget shortfalls as crises, an abundance perspective encourages exploration of untapped networks and stakeholders’ latent generosity. —Yujia Zhu, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025

Additionally, 79 latent infections—77 in Wyandotte County and 2 in Johnson County—have been identified. —Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Noun

Middle English, from Latin latent-, latens, from present participle of latēre to lie hidden; akin to Greek lanthanein to escape notice

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1920, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing latent

• latent heat
• latent period
• latent root

Rhymes for latent

• blatant

Kids Definition

latent

adjective

la·​tent

ˈlāt-ᵊnt

: present but not visible or active

the car's latent defects

a latent infection

latency

-ᵊn-sē

noun

latently adverb

Medical Definition

latent

adjective

la·​tent ˈlāt-ᵊnt 

: existing in hidden or dormant form: as

a

: present or capable of living or developing in a host without producing visible symptoms of disease

a latent virus

a latent infection

b

: not consciously expressed

latent anxiety

c

: relating to or being the latent content of a dream or thought

latently adverb

Legal Definition

latent

adjective

la·​tent ˈlāt-ᵊnt 

: existing in hidden or dormant form but usually capable of being brought to light compare patent