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

Herculean search efforts in the southern Indian Ocean, where the jet is believed to have gone down, have thus far turned up virtually nothing. —CBS News, 3 Dec. 2025

The one obvious plus for the Cubs is that Kingery can play virtually every position except pitcher and catcher, and though the Cubs have a deep roster, there's always room for an all-around utility guy. —Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025

And the mobility is virtually nonexistent. —Miami Herald, 3 Dec. 2025

These clear hydrocolloid stickers draw out whitehead gunk and protect skin for faster healing—all while staying virtually invisible on your skin. —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 2 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1b