practically

American  

[prak-tik-lee] / ˈpræk tɪk li /

adverb

1. in effect; virtually.

   It is practically useless to protest.

2. in a practical manner.

   to think practically.

3. from a practical point of view.

   Practically speaking, the plan is not very promising.

4. almost; nearly.

   Their provisions were practically gone.

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practically British  

/ -klɪ, ˈpræktɪkəlɪ /

adverb

1. virtually; almost

   it has rained practically every day

2. in actuality rather than in theory

   what can we do practically to help?

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Usage

A few usage guides object to the use of practically in the senses “in effect, virtually” and “almost, nearly.” Both uses, however, are well established and standard in all varieties of speech and writing.

Etymology

Origin of practically

First recorded in 1615–25; practical + -ly

Explanation

Practically means "nearly," like being practically broke if you have three dollars left in the whole world. It also means "done in a practical way" — if you wear sneakers on a long walk, you’re dressed practically. There are two main senses of practically. If you have practically no free time, you have nearly no free time. If your hair is practically blonde, it is almost blonde. Also, this word can refer to the sense of practical as sensible and realistic. A smart worker will know how to get the job done practically (efficiently). A smart investor will invest money practically (wisely). Doing things practically is the opposite of being reckless and unrealistic.

Example Sentences

In the world of quantum computing, five years hardly seems like enough time to address the hurdles impeding the development of scalable, practically useful systems.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

"Our research shows that smart design can reduce the need for increasingly complex hardware and giant superatoms are bringing us one step closer to practically applicable quantum technology."

From Science Daily • Apr. 13, 2026

Nine points clear with six games to play - you would have thought it was practically a done deal for Arsenal, despite the defeat by Bournemouth.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

No. This man practically saved Southern California from itself, and we didn’t even name a freeway off-ramp in his honor.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

“You ‘need’ them?” she asked, her bushy eyebrows practically leaving her face in disbelief.

From "Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody" by Patrick Ness

Related Words

• approximately
• basically
• essentially
• morally
• nearly
• virtually