virtually nonexistent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtually nonexistent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is almost completely absent or lacking in existence. Example: "In the remote area, access to modern healthcare facilities is virtually nonexistent, leaving residents with limited options for medical care."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Virtually nonexistent.

The New York Times

CROWD: Virtually nonexistent.

The New York Times

Screening is virtually nonexistent.

The New Yorker

Crime is virtually nonexistent.

The New York Times

Its army is virtually nonexistent.

The New York Times

Transparency is virtually nonexistent.

The Guardian

Studies show voter fraud is virtually nonexistent.

The New York Times

Such staffs are virtually nonexistent, however.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The run defense seemed virtually nonexistent.

The New York Times - Sports

And the book's margins are virtually nonexistent.

The New York Times - Books

Child support is virtually nonexistent in Poland.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "virtually nonexistent" when you want to emphasize that something is so rare or insignificant that it's almost as if it doesn't exist. This adds impact without claiming absolute nonexistence.

Common error

Avoid using "virtually nonexistent" when something is genuinely present, even if scarce. It's best reserved for situations where the presence is so minimal it's functionally equivalent to absence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually nonexistent" functions as an adjective modifier, intensifying the meaning of the noun it describes by indicating a state of near absence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "virtually nonexistent" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey that something is almost entirely absent. Analysis of various sources, including news outlets, scientific publications, and encyclopedias, confirms its widespread applicability. Ludwig AI validates the grammatical correctness and offers examples across varied contexts. Related phrases include "almost nonexistent" and "nearly nonexistent", providing alternative options for nuanced expression. Remember to use it when something is so scarce that it's effectively absent, avoiding overstatement in situations where a tangible presence exists.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

virtually nil

Replaces "nonexistent" with "nil", emphasizing the lack of something with a different term.

nearly nonexistent

Replaces "virtually" with "nearly", maintaining a similar degree of approximation.

almost nonexistent

Replaces "virtually" with "almost", again preserving the idea of near absence.

essentially nonexistent

Replaces "virtually" with "essentially", highlighting the fundamental absence of something.

literally nonexistent

Replaces "virtually" with "literally", emphasizing the total absence of something.

practically absent

Uses the term "absent" instead of "nonexistent" while implying the meaning of nonexistence.

as good as nonexistent

Uses a more figurative structure to communicate the same meaning of something being almost completely absent.

tantamount to nonexistence

Uses a more formal tone to indicate the equivalent of not existing.

scarcely existing

Emphasizes the rarity or infrequency of existence, differing slightly from complete absence.

approaching nonexistence

Shifts the focus to the process of fading out of existence instead of the state itself.

FAQs

How can I use "virtually nonexistent" in a sentence?

You can use "virtually nonexistent" to describe something that is almost completely absent. For example, "In the remote area, access to modern healthcare facilities is "virtually nonexistent", leaving residents with limited options for medical care."

What are some alternatives to "virtually nonexistent"?

Alternatives include phrases like "virtually nil", "nearly nonexistent", or "almost nonexistent", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always accurate to use "virtually nonexistent"?

No, "virtually nonexistent" should be used when something is so rare or insignificant that it's almost as if it doesn't exist. Avoid using it when something is genuinely present, even if scarce.

What is the difference between "virtually nonexistent" and "nonexistent"?

"Nonexistent" implies a complete absence, whereas "virtually nonexistent" suggests something is so rare or insignificant that it's almost as if it doesn't exist. The "virtually" softens the claim, acknowledging a trace possibility of existence.