just barely

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But there’s almost nothing in “Galaxy” that even rises to the level of an attempted gag, and the movie is notably weaker than “The Super Mario Bros,” which was just barely watchable.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

Their task was to adjust the volume until each sound was just barely audible over the noise.

From Science Daily • Mar. 20, 2026

In a 1990 Rolling Stone article, Schneider admitted: "We were just barely staying afloat, living off our catalogue".

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

Reaching herd immunity for measles is hard—roughly 95 percent of people must be vaccinated—and when it’s not reached, even just barely, measles outbreaks will come and go in waves.

From Slate • Feb. 17, 2026

If he chose, he could rush to the door, throw it open, hold her in his arms, and weep with her at the tragedy just barely averted.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson