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

After testing a variety of candidates, the researchers found that one, N50 F2, stood out for its biological potency. —New Atlas, 15 Aug. 2025

Meanwhile, the potency of Arsenal’s left flank has dwindled in the past 18 months, and although Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard remain good options, Madueke’s ability to play on either wing will mean that Arteta simply has more options to choose from. —Mark Carey, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2025

Rob van Dam, a professor of exercise and nutrition sciences at George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health who studies caffeine, voiced concerns about the potency of some pouches on the market, particularly for consumers who are not used to them. —Jamie Ducharme, NBC news, 20 July 2025

There was no movement on setting limits for THC potency, no requirement to test for contamination and no mandate to keep these products out of the hands of minors. —Brian Hopkins, Chicago Tribune, 14 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