Latent capability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Latent capability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to potential abilities or skills that are not currently active or visible but can be developed or utilized in the future. Example: "The team's latent capability for innovation became evident when they were given the resources to explore new ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Under civilian cover, North Korea developed a fuel cycle ideally suited to harboring a latent capability for weapons production.

Stanford University

Critics of the administration argue that allowing Iran to retain even a latent capability to acquire nuclear weapons constitutes an unacceptable threat.

The New York Times

This latent capability has begun to worry some of Syria's neighbors, especially after allegations that the regime of President Bashar al-Assad used internationally banned chemical weapons against civilians in an Aug. 21 attack.

The Washington Post

Only the latter provide the key latent capability scores.

Health Economics

Given the broad agreement between the results from the SALC model and the cluster analysis (which was more powerful by working directly on the latent capability scale), this suggests that, though producing reasonable results, the SALC may have been underpowered.

Health Economics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Benefits include ease of operation and the ability to leverage existing systems and infrastructure designed for general use with a large set of latent capabilities to draw on when needed, as well as the familiarity that comes from reuse of existing, known, and well-understood security and operational models.

Acta Astronautica

U.S. officials acknowledge the possibility of a latent bioweapons capability but are divided about whether Syria is capable of a sophisticated attack.

The Washington Post

Harnessing the latent economic capability of the informal sector in Lagos remains a task for policy makers and Lagos State's current resident registration scheme will help capture the true size of its inhabitants and economic planning.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

Presumably, latent endosymbiotic capabilities of B. anthracis are being activated in the worm gut.

Plosone

When a microbial population encounters a new environment, mutants encoding more effective variants of these networks that improve nutrient utilization or reveal latent metabolic capabilities may evolve (Ryall et al., 2012).

eLife

Nonetheless, Japan has a latent nuclear weapons capability.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "latent capability", consider clarifying the conditions under which this capability can be activated or realized. Provide context to explain its potential impact or significance.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "latent capability" as a guaranteed outcome. Instead, frame it as a possibility or potential, acknowledging any influencing factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "latent capability" primarily functions as a noun phrase modifier, where the adjective 'latent' modifies the noun 'capability'. As Ludwig AI explains, this describes potential abilities or skills that are not currently active but can be developed.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "latent capability" is a phrase used to describe a skill, ability, or resource that is currently hidden or undeveloped, yet possesses the potential for future realization. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is most commonly found in scientific, academic, and news-related contexts. While the phrase is considered grammatically sound and understandable, remember to provide sufficient context when using it, clarifying the potential benefits or influencing factors of this "latent capability". Consider alternatives like "hidden potential" or "dormant ability" depending on the nuances you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Hidden potential

Focuses on the unrealized nature of the ability.

Dormant ability

Emphasizes the inactive state of the capability.

Undeveloped skill

Highlights the lack of refinement or training.

Untapped resource

Suggests a capability that has not yet been utilized.

Potential aptitude

Implies a natural inclination that could be developed.

Underlying capacity

Stresses the fundamental nature of the capability.

Inherent power

Emphasizes the intrinsic strength of the capability.

Unrealized talent

Focuses on innate abilities that have not been brought to fruition.

Possible competence

Highlights the potential for future proficiency.

Future capacity

Focuses on a capability that will be available in the future.

FAQs

How can I use "latent capability" in a sentence?

You can use "latent capability" to describe a skill or ability that is not currently active or visible but has the potential to be developed or utilized. For example, "The company discovered a "latent capability" for innovation within its research department".

What are some alternatives to "latent capability"?

Some alternatives to "latent capability" include "hidden potential", "dormant ability", or "undeveloped skill". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use "latent capability" or "potential capability"?

"Latent capability" emphasizes that the capability is currently hidden or not yet active, while "potential capability" simply highlights the possibility of a future capability. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the current hidden state.

How does "latent capability" differ from "existing capability"?

"Latent capability" refers to a capability that is not currently being used or is not fully developed, whereas "existing capability" refers to a skill or resource that is already available and in use. One is a possibility, the other is a reality.