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

• practically
• almost
• nearly

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

There’s virtually no figure on the planet with the song catalog and the gravitas to follow that besides Willie Nelson. —Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 2 Aug. 2025

However, virtually every other country will see the tariffs implemented on August 7, in order to give Customs and Border Protection enough time to make the necessary changes to collect the new duties. —Jade Walker, CNN Money, 1 Aug. 2025

Shortly after the Yankees wrapped up a game where virtually nothing of note occurred on the field after the delay, Cashman began his teleconference by reciting the names of the players acquired before talking about the deadline for about 15 minutes. —Larry Fleisher, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025

Several events throughout the week will be held virtually or offer a virtual participation option. —La Risa R. Lynch, jsonline.com, 1 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1b