ALMOST definition: very nearly; all but. See examples of almost used in a sentence.

The meaning of ALMOST is very nearly but not exactly or entirely. How to use almost in a sentence.

We use almost and nearly to refer to the progress of things, especially if we are measuring and counting things. In these examples, almost and nearly can both be used: … It’ll cost almost as …

You use almost to indicate that something is not completely the case but is nearly the case. The couple had been dating for almost three years. Storms have been hitting almost all of Britain …

1 day ago · Thrown on her own resources and almost penniless, she maintained herself and paid the rent of a wretched room near the hospital by working as a charwoman, sempstress, anything.

Almost and nearly both mean 'not completely' or 'not quite'. They can be used in front of adjectives or noun phrases, or with verbs. Dinner is almost ready. We're nearly ready now. I …

There are seven meanings listed in OED's entry for the word almost, two of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025 al•most (ôl′ mōst, ôl mōst′), adv. Pronouns very nearly; all but: almost every house; to pay almost nothing …

The adverb almost is perfect for describing things you come close to doing, or states you haven't yet reached. It has an Old English root, eallmæst, "nearly all," or literally, "mostly all."

We're almost finished. Analysts predict that rates will rise by almost 40 percent. Goats will eat almost anything.