virtually

adverb

vir·​tu·​al·​ly ˈvər-chə-wə-lē 

-chə-lē;

ˈvərch-wə-lē

1

a

: almost entirely : nearly

The project is virtually complete.

Virtually every applicant was overqualified for the job.

b

: for all practical purposes

She was virtually unknown prior to starring in the film.

It is virtually impossible to know the truth of the matter.

2

: by means of a computer or computer network : in a virtual location

The meeting is being held virtually.

They did all their shopping virtually.

Synonyms

• about
• all but
• almost
• borderline
• fair [chiefly British]
• fairly
• feckly [chiefly Scottish]
• more or less
• most
• much
• near
• nearly
• next to
• nigh
• practically
• somewhere
• well-nigh

Examples of virtually in a Sentence

We spent virtually all day shopping.

The stadium was virtually empty by the time the game ended.

I remember virtually everything he said.

That illness is virtually unknown in this area.

Recent Examples on the Web

Ross Stores Ross Stores’ 50-day and 200-day moving averages were virtually at the same level above $146 through Thursday’s close. —Pia Singh, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2025

With a credit card and a garage, enthusiasts can build a virtually new Mustang from scratch using show-quality reproduction parts available from dozens of reliable suppliers. —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 28 Feb. 2025

However, where Williams draws the line is where Yankees captain Aaron Judge virtually did when discussing the facial hair rule, potentially giving a free agent second thoughts on joining the organization – which has the most professional sports titles of all-time. —Scott Thompson, Fox News, 28 Feb. 2025

The impact, source, and controls are virtually unknown. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1b