virtually

American  

[vur-choo-uh-lee] / ˈvɜr tʃu ə li /

adverb

1. for the most part; almost wholly; just about.

   He is virtually unknown.

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virtually British  

/ ˈvɜːtʃʊəlɪ /

adverb

1. in effect though not in fact; practically; nearly

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Usage

What does virtually mean? Virtually most generally means in effect but not in fact, as in Today, virtually all cell phones are smartphones. Close synonyms are nearly, practically, and just about—they all mean virtually the same thing. Virtually is the adverb form of the adjective virtual, which is most generally used to describe something as being the same as something else in almost every way, except perhaps in name or some other minor, technical sense. For example, describing a company as a virtual monopoly means it’s pretty much a monopoly but not technically one, perhaps because it has a few minor competitors. Virtual also commonly means simulated or extended by computer software. The word is used this way in virtual reality, which refers to a fully simulated environment. To render something virtually is to create a representation or simulation of it using a computer. Sometimes, things described as virtual may not involve simulation at all, such as a virtual meeting or a virtual concert. The use of virtual in these phrases represents a more recent sense of the word that means something like “remote and via the internet” (especially when accessed via a live video feed). Virtually can be used in the same way, as in I can’t make it into the office, but I’ll be working virtually. Example: Virtually everyone agrees with the proposal—it has a 99. 9% approval rating.

Etymology

Origin of virtually

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; virtual, -ly

Explanation

Use the adjective virtually to mean almost. If your economics homework is nearly complete, it is virtually done. Virtually also means in essence, or for all intents and purposes. If you virtually ran the German club bake sale by yourself, it means that even though you weren't officially in charge, you might as well have been. In computer science, the word virtually has the extended sense of being part of the simulated computer world. Your character in a computer game might excel virtually at sports even though you're not particularly athletic in real life.

Example Sentences

Being pure electric means there will be "virtually no mechanical noise", the company said.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

The White House report, whose authors aren’t listed as is customary, says that the “previously virtually unknown” position of chief diversity officer became the “fastest-growing C-suite executive position.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

The U.S. is already permitted to expand forces under a 1951 treaty that allows virtually unimpeded access.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

The US budget deficit remained virtually stable during the first three months of 2026, as increased revenue -- primarily from income taxes and customs duties -- offset an acceleration in spending.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

Francis sent me a six-page letter about how bored he felt, and how sick he was, and virtually everything he’d had to eat since I’d seen him last.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

Related Words

• basically
• essentially
• nearly
• practically