latent capability

USAGE SUMMARY

"latent capability" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use it to refer to a hidden or potential skill, ability, or capacity that someone or something has. For example, "The young singer's latent capability was evident from the first note she sang."

✓ 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

Use "latent capability" to describe skills or abilities that are not immediately apparent or fully developed, but have the potential to emerge with the right conditions or training.

Common error

Avoid using "latent capability" when referring to already-demonstrated skills. The term implies a potential yet to be realized, not an existing, active ability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "latent capability" functions as a noun phrase, where "latent" modifies the noun "capability". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, functioning to describe a skill, ability, or capacity that is hidden or potential.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

37%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "latent capability" refers to a hidden or potential skill or ability. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically sound and usable. While its occurrence is rare, it finds its primary usage in scientific, news, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, remember that it describes something not yet realized, and synonyms like ""potential ability"" and ""undeveloped skill"" can serve as alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

potential ability

Emphasizes the undeveloped nature of the capability.

undeveloped skill

Highlights the lack of current development in the skill.

hidden talent

Focuses on the concealed aspect of the talent.

dormant capacity

Implies the capability is inactive but present.

untapped potential

Stresses the unutilized aspect of the potential.

inherent aptitude

Highlights that the capability is naturally present.

underlying strength

Focuses on the fundamental nature of the capability.

secret power

Emphasizes the hidden and influential aspect of the capability.

unrealized capacity

Highlights that capability is yet to be brought into existence.

veiled competence

Stresses the covered-up nature of the competence.

FAQs

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

You can use "latent capability" to describe a skill or ability that is present but not yet fully developed, such as, "The athlete's "latent capability" for long-distance running was revealed during training."

What is an alternative to "latent capability"?

Alternatives to "latent capability" include "potential ability", "undeveloped skill", or "hidden talent", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "latent capabilities" instead of "latent capability"?

Yes, "latent capabilities" is the plural form and is appropriate when referring to multiple hidden or undeveloped abilities. "Latent capability" (singular) refers to a single, specific ability.

What's the difference between "latent capability" and "covert capability"?

""Latent capability"" refers to an undeveloped or hidden potential, while "covert capability" refers to a skill or ability that is intentionally kept secret or concealed.