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

The Henley Passport Index is one of several rankings measuring passport potency in this regard and, for the first time in its 20-year history, the US passport has fallen out of its top 10 list altogether. —Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025

Businesses also found ways to get around the potency limits for hemp, and some sell THCA flower that becomes delta-9 when smoked or vaped. —Enquirer Staff, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Oct. 2025

For Tottenham fans, there is still a sense that more potential can be unlocked from this side in the coming months, particularly in terms of their potency in open play going forward. —Mark Carey, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025

Piwowarczyk said his office has received calls from constituents concerned about the potency of these products. —Gina Lee Castro, jsonline.com, 3 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