I. adjective
1.
existing in possibility
a potential site for the new factory
Synonyms: possible
Related Word: conceivable, imaginable, likely, plausible, probable, thinkable
Idioms: within the realm ( or range) of possibility
Contrasted words: existent, extant; doubtful, impossible, questionable; impracticable, unsuitable
Antonyms: actual
2.
Synonyms: latent , abeyant, dormant, lurking, prepatent, quiescent
II. noun
something that can develop or become actual
industrial potential
Synonyms: possibilities, potentiality
Antonyms: actuality, reality