all but

Idioms  

1. Almost, nearly, as in I've all but finished the book. This expression was used by Andrew Marvell in “Thoughts in a Garden”: “Society is all but rude, To this delicious solitude.” [Late 1500s]

---

Example Sentences

Forward P/E ratios have declined for all but three of the sectors this year.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

Rothman all but declared the armistice a failure, urging Vice President J.D.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026

Linda alone sees how precariously Willy is clinging to life, and Ms. Metcalf’s forceful turn—I was all but pinned to the back of my seat—reveals how savagely she will fight to save Willy from himself.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

But it’s just this supposed difficulty that should ideally qualify him for all but the most timid of book clubs.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Briefly, Penelope wondered if she ought to find her and tell her that her speech-making services would not be needed after all, but there was no time to go searching.

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

• about
• approximately
• around
• essentially
• most
• much
• practically
• relatively
• roughly
• virtually