almost

1 of 2

adverb

al·​most ˈȯl-ˌmōst  ȯl-ˈmōst 

: very nearly but not exactly or entirely

We're almost there.

The work is almost done.

almost

2 of 2

adjective

: very near but not quite

an almost failure

Synonyms

Adverb

• nearly
• practically
• virtually
• fairly

Adjective

• relative

Examples of almost in a Sentence

Adverb

Analysts predict that rates will rise by almost 40 percent.

Goats will eat almost anything.

Adjective

burdened with impossibly high expectations, the movie came to be regarded as an almost failure

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

Merging with Teck will almost certainly be the master stroke in removing it from any plans by BHP to return with a fresh offer for Anglo American. —Tim Treadgold, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

Apple has since confirmed that the functionality will come to almost all modern smartwatch models. —PC Magazine, 10 Sep. 2025

Adjective

Orange County has paid more than $39 million worth of settlements in the almost year since the Airport fire broke out and destroyed more than 100 structures, according to county officials. —Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 20 Aug. 2025

Despite arguably kicking off the trend of internet shutdowns a decade ago with an almost year-long blackout in the western province of Xinjiang, China is not a frequent offender. —James Griffiths, CNN, 9 Jan. 2020

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

Middle English, from Old English ealmǣst, from eall + mǣst most

Adjective

derivative of almost entry 1

First Known Use

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1529, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing almost

• almost a certainty
• almost jump out of one's skin
• almost never
• almost no
• almost nothing

Rhymes for almost

• engrossed
• foremost
• hindmost
• impost
• inmost
• lamppost
• leftmost
• necrosed
• outpost
• pancoast
• rightmost
• riposte

Kids Definition

almost

adverb

al·​most

ˈȯl-ˌmōst,

ȯl-ˈmōst

: only a little less than : nearly

we're almost finished