ideally
1 antonyms and opposites of ideally, grouped by meaning.
Adv — In the best or most perfect way possible.
Antonyms
How to use ideally
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From ideal + -ly.
Full origin of ideally →Frequently asked questions
What does “ideally” mean?
The word “ideally” means in the best or most perfect way possible. In plain terms, used to describe what would happen under perfect conditions.
How do you pronounce “ideally”?
“Ideally” is pronounced eye-DEER-lee (/aɪˈdi.ə.li/ in IPA).
How do you use “ideally” in a sentence?
Here is “ideally” used in a sentence: “Ideally, the team would finish the project a week early.”
What is the opposite of “ideally”?
The opposite of “ideally” — its antonyms — is nonideally.
What part of speech is “ideally”?
“Ideally” is an adverb.
Is “ideally” a common word?
“Ideally” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “ideally” have?
“Ideally” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in the best or most perfect way possible.
What is the difference between "ideally" and "theoretically"?
"Ideally" can mean either in the best or most perfect way possible, or in a way that only exists as an idea or theory rather than in practice, which overlaps with "theoretically." However, "ideally" more often expresses a preferred best-case outcome, while "theoretically" more neutrally describes something considered in theory without necessarily implying it's the best option.
How is "ideally" used at the start of a sentence?
When placed at the start of a sentence, "ideally" typically signals the speaker's preferred or best-case scenario before acknowledging that reality may differ, as in "Ideally, we'd finish today." This usage sets up an expectation that practical constraints may follow.
Does "ideally" always imply something won't actually happen?
Not necessarily. "Ideally" can simply describe the best or most perfect way of doing something without implying failure, but its second sense specifically marks something as existing only in theory rather than practice. Which meaning applies depends on the surrounding context.