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

June through August is roasting hot from Valletta through Naples, with the coastal breeze bringing some relief, but days on or in the water are deceptive to the UVA rays’ potency. —Alexandra Pereira, Travel + Leisure, 11 Aug. 2025

If that version is approved, state regulators would be required to limit the potency of marijuana flower to 30% THC, while cannabis concentrates would be capped at 60%. —A.j. Herrington, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025

The deaths of co-stars Hardwick and Jonathan Joss, who voiced John Redcorn, are acknowledged, adding an emotional potency that King of the Hill is better equipped to handle than, say, Happy Gilmore 2 was able to integrate its own brushes with cast mortality. —Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 1 Aug. 2025

The greater the potency, the better the quality, right? —Peter Su, Rolling Stone, 15 July 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