virtually sightless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtually sightless" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has very limited vision or is almost completely blind, often in a metaphorical sense as well. Example: "After the accident, he was left virtually sightless, relying on his other senses to navigate the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

She made progress for six months, until an eye inflammation left her virtually sightless for several weeks.

The New York Times

As he became older, the lenses became irrelevant, for he was also by then virtually sightless, and registered as blind.

The Guardian

What is particularly astonishing is that Euler became virtually sightless in his right eye during the mid-1730s, and was blind for the last 17 years of his life, and this was one of the most productive periods.

Advances in Difference Equations

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

This barbaric act, which left Linda nearly sightless, wound up tying her and Burt together for life.

The New Yorker

Mr. Duffy claims to be nearly sightless and walks with a blind man's cane.

The New York Times

The love poet, too, can be heard stumbling and blundering about, sightless and ecstatic, as another Valentine's Day dawns.

The New Yorker

Predatory mites have sharp senses, but many are sightless.

The Guardian

These are the three novels drafted by Griffin during the 1950s while he was still sightless.

Columbia University

Even when they're looking out front, they appear to be sightless.

The New York Times - Arts

To spend some time with Ms. Duffy is to forget she is sightless.

The New York Times

The creature is just a shape — pale, sightless, wild, half crazed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience: in technical or medical writing, more precise terminology such as "severely visually impaired" may be preferred over "virtually sightless".

Common error

Avoid using "virtually sightless" when describing complete blindness. The phrase implies a severe impairment but allows for some residual vision. If there's absolutely no sight, use "completely blind" or "totally blind" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually sightless" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun (typically a person) to indicate a severe impairment of vision. As evidenced by Ludwig, it describes a condition where sight is almost entirely lost, but not necessarily completely absent.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "virtually sightless" is an adjective phrase used to describe a severe visual impairment, indicating a state close to blindness but not necessarily complete. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and readily used. It appears most often in news and media contexts and has several synonyms, including "almost blind" and "nearly sightless". When using this phrase, ensure your audience understands the intended degree of visual impairment and consider more precise language for technical or medical contexts. Ensure that if you are describing complete blindness you do not use the term "virtually sightless".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly sightless

Synonymous with "virtually sightless", but using a different adverb.

almost blind

Indicates a state very close to blindness, emphasizing the proximity to complete vision loss.

nearly blind

Similar to 'almost blind', stressing the closeness to complete blindness.

close to blindness

Highlights the imminent or near state of complete vision loss.

functionally blind

Suggests that the level of sight is so low that it's not useful for everyday tasks.

severely visually impaired

A more clinical term, highlighting the degree of visual impairment.

with very limited vision

Focuses on the restriction of sight rather than the totality of loss.

barely able to see

Emphasizes the difficulty in seeing, suggesting minimal visual capacity.

with impaired sight

A general term for reduced visual acuity.

having minimal eyesight

Indicates a small degree of vision remaining.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "virtually sightless" in a sentence?

You can use "virtually sightless" to describe someone with extremely limited vision. For example: "After the accident, he was left "virtually sightless", relying on his other senses."

What is a more formal alternative to "virtually sightless"?

A more formal alternative would be "severely visually impaired" or "functionally blind", depending on the specific degree of vision loss. These terms are often used in medical and professional contexts.

Is it correct to use "virtually sightless" to describe someone who is completely blind?

While "virtually sightless" implies a very severe visual impairment, it doesn't necessarily mean complete blindness. If someone has no vision at all, "completely blind" or "totally blind" are more accurate.

What's the difference between "nearly sightless" and "virtually sightless"?

"Nearly sightless" and "virtually sightless" are very similar and often interchangeable. Both phrases suggest a state very close to complete blindness. The choice between them is largely a matter of stylistic preference.