virtually unavailable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtually unavailable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is almost completely inaccessible or not present, often in a context where it is expected to be available. Example: "Due to the ongoing supply chain issues, the product is virtually unavailable in stores."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"Budget financing has become virtually unavailable," the report notes.

The New Yorker

Today, even in Germany and the Alsatian region of France, fresh sauerkraut is virtually unavailable.

The New York Times

Real estate transactions ground to a halt and financing was virtually unavailable.

The New York Times

At present, though there is "some momentum," the market is quiet and financing is virtually unavailable, he said.

The New York Times

Despite such humanizing moments, "Hearts in Dixie" was hopelessly embarrassing even in its time — black leaders made their objections known — and is virtually unavailable today.

The New Yorker

Mr. Gore, by contrast, was for weeks this summer virtually unavailable for daily questions from reporters, a practice that may have irritated the media, but certainly gave him tighter control over the ideas and images the campaign sought to convey.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Most were unavailable.

Independent

By contrast, there are places where this route to health seems unavailable because virtually no one walks at all.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some patients view the virtually free Hygeia Community Health Care Plan, previously unavailable in that community as a good and timely blessing from God.

BMC Health Services Research

As the recession gathers steam, there are likely to be more corporate failures than there need to be, because credit has gone from virtually free to all but unavailable.

The New York Times - Books

Currently on Taaz, you can purchase the cosmetics your "virtually" try on, which is unavailable on Daily Makeover's site.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the scarcity of a resource or product, use "virtually unavailable" to emphasize its extreme rarity or inaccessibility. Ensure the context clearly indicates why it is so difficult to obtain.

Common error

Avoid using "virtually unavailable" when the item is merely difficult to find or purchase. The phrase implies near-total absence, not just inconvenience or high cost.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually unavailable" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a state of near impossibility of acquisition or access. As shown by Ludwig, it suggests something is so scarce it might as well not exist.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

32%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "virtually unavailable" is a useful phrase for indicating that something is almost impossible to obtain. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the context warrants such a strong statement of scarcity. Remember that while alternatives like "almost inaccessible" or "practically unobtainable" exist, "virtually unavailable" emphasizes near-total absence. Its broad acceptance across various sources makes it a reliable choice for expressing extreme scarcity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Almost inaccessible

Focuses on the difficulty of access rather than complete unavailability.

Practically unobtainable

Emphasizes the practical challenges in obtaining something.

Nearly impossible to find

Highlights the difficulty in locating something.

Essentially nonexistent

Suggests the item or resource is so scarce it's as good as not existing.

As good as gone

Implies the item has disappeared or is about to disappear.

Hard to come by

Indicates that something is not easily found or acquired.

Thin on the ground

Means scarce or rare in a particular area.

Like hen's teeth

An idiomatic expression for something extremely rare.

Few and far between

Describes something that is rare or infrequent.

At a premium

Suggests high demand and limited supply making it hard to get.

FAQs

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

Use "virtually unavailable" to describe something that is almost impossible to obtain or access. For example, "Due to supply chain disruptions, the new gaming console is "virtually unavailable" in most stores."

What are some alternatives to "virtually unavailable"?

You can use alternatives like "almost inaccessible", "practically unobtainable", or "nearly impossible to find" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "virtually unavailable" in formal writing?

Yes, "virtually unavailable" is appropriate for formal writing. It is clear and precise, suitable for professional, academic, and journalistic contexts. Its level of formality is considered neutral.

What's the difference between "virtually unavailable" and "unavailable"?

"Unavailable" means completely not accessible or obtainable. "Virtually unavailable" suggests that it's so rare or difficult to get that it's almost the same as being completely "unavailable", but there might be a very slight chance of finding it.