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 of virtually

• 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

The lens of the hearing never focused on Robeson, who was seen as only a prop for Robinson’s patriotism, unworthy of rediscovery, especially as the Robinson/Rickey integration story—sports as the pathway to equality—became virtually unchallengeable. —Literary Hub, 21 Jan. 2026

Now, under clever defensive play-caller Zak Kuhr, the Patriots have developed a defense that can bring virtually any kind of game plan to life. —Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 20 Jan. 2026

But Berlinale festival director Trica Tuttle and her team, have pulled together an impressively diverse competition lineup, with 22 features across virtually every genre. —Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 20 Jan. 2026

The most recent quarter showed virtually no change. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1b