Something or someone that doesn't quite make it.
"The runner crossed the finish line, but he was so exhausted by the end that he could barely stand up."
"The runner was so close that his almost seemed like a victory."
Usage: Do not use "almost" as a noun to describe a person or thing that falls just short of a goal; instead, use nouns like "near miss" or "close call." The word "almost" functions exclusively as an adverb to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
"the job is (just) about done"
"the baby was almost asleep when the alarm sounded"
"we're almost finished"
"the car all but ran her down"
"he nearly fainted"
"talked for nigh onto 2 hours"
"the recording is well-nigh perfect"
"virtually all the parties signed the contract"
"I was near exhausted by the run"
"most everyone agrees"
Very close to, but not quite.
"She was almost home when she realized she had forgotten her keys in the car."
In plain English: Almost means very close to happening or reaching something, but not quite there yet.
"We almost missed the bus because we were running late."
Usage: Use "almost" to indicate that an action or state is very near completion but has not yet happened. Place it directly before the verb or adjective it modifies, such as saying "I am almost ready" rather than "I am nearly."
The word almost comes from Middle English and Old English, where it originally meant "nearly all" or "for the most part." It is formed by combining elements meaning "all" and "most," reflecting its early sense of covering nearly everything.