potentiality

noun

po·​ten·​ti·​al·​i·​ty pə-ˌten(t)-shē-ˈa-lə-tē 

plural potentialities

1

: the ability to develop or come into existence

2

: potential sense 1

Synonyms of potentiality

• possibility
• potential

Examples of potentiality in a Sentence

would like to see a colony on the moon as an actuality and not merely a potentiality

Recent Examples on the Web

The film is set in 2029, a mere three years from now, demonstrating both an optimism about the potentiality of AI and a pessimism about the city’s trajectory. —Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 21 Jan. 2026

Chopra teaches that intention in the field of pure potentiality has infinite organizing power. —Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 8 Jan. 2026

And where there is injustice and frustration, the potentialities for violence are greater. —NBC news, 12 Oct. 2025

On foot, there are no boundaries in the land, no divides, nothing but the past and the potentiality of the future. —Michael McColly, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for potentiality

• bisexuality
• collegiality
• conditionality
• congeniality
• conventionality
• conviviality
• dimensionality
• directionality
• emotionality
• essentiality
• eventuality
• grammaticality

Kids Definition

potentiality

noun

po·​ten·​ti·​al·​i·​ty pə-ˌten-chē-ˈal-ət-ē 

plural potentialities

1

: the ability to develop or to come into existence

2

: potential entry 2 sense 1a