Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

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.
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?
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing practically

Holes

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Frindle

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Practically every man she meets proves himself a reliable vendor of disappointment.

From Salon • Apr. 29, 2026

Practically, that means the vehicles need to be used more than a traditional car running in a ride-hailing fleet.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

"Practically everything we know about general relativity relies on the interpretation of geodesics," explains Benjamin Koch.

From Science Daily • Mar. 9, 2026

Practically, it makes little sense to use your portfolio to pay this off.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 17, 2026

Practically everyone withdrew to their spaces when the doors shut, so I get to cross to our new home with at least five hundred people watching me.

From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.