full potential

Meaning

1. 1noununcountable

   the best or highest level that someone or something is able to reach

   Grammar: Usually used with a possessive adjective (my, your, its, etc.) or 'the': 'reach your full potential.' It is not used with 'a' or in the plural.

   Patterns

   • reach one's full potential
   • achieve one's full potential
   • develop one's full potential
   • at full potential

   With the right training, she can reach her full potential.

   The new coach helped the team play at its full potential.

   Many students never achieve their full potential because of lack of support.

Common combinations

reach one's full potential

He finally reached his full potential after years of practice.

achieve one's full potential

The program helps young athletes achieve their full potential.

live up to one's full potential

She never lived up to her full potential as a writer.

at full potential

The factory is now operating at full potential.

Synonyms and how they differ

maximum

A more general word for the highest possible amount or level; 'full potential' is usually about personal or organizational ability.

best

Simpler and more general; 'full potential' suggests a level that is not yet reached but is possible.

Opposites

Word family

potential noun

The ability to develop or succeed in the future: She has great potential.

potential adjective

Possible in the future: a potential problem.

potentially adverb

Possibly: a potentially dangerous situation.

Commonly confused: full potential or full of potential?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “full potential”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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