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.

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

As they started the business, Fink and Koh headed off to college—but just barely.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 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

Even with a shortcut along the lakeside, I'm running just barely in front of the sirens and won't have a chance to widen the gap before I reach my family's house.

From "Legend" by Marie Lu