What does existentially mean?
"Existentially" is an adverb describing something done or considered in relation to existence — either the broad philosophical questions of being, freedom, and meaning, or the narrower matter of whether something continues to survive at all. Rooted in existentialist thought, which asks how individuals create meaning in an uncertain world, the word appears in phrases like "existentially adrift" or "an existentially significant choice," signaling that the matter touches the core of who someone is. In modern journalism and business writing, it has taken on a second life: a company described as "existentially threatened" faces possible extinction, not mere difficulty. The word carries weight and gravity, elevating ordinary concerns into questions of fundamental stakes. It derives from "existential," ultimately from the Latin "existere," meaning to emerge or come into being.
In a manner relating to existence, being, or the conditions of human life and meaning.
"She found the loss existentially destabilizing, forcing her to reconsider her place in the world."
Most common in formal, academic, or journalistic contexts.
In a manner concerning the survival or continued existence of something.
"The board viewed the lawsuit as existentially dangerous to the company's future."
Frequently used with words like 'threatened,' 'dangerous,' or 'at stake' in business and political reporting.
When people say a company is 'existentially threatened,' they mean it could literally cease to exist — a phrase borrowed from philosophy that now dominates boardrooms and news headlines.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of existentially
"Existentially" derives from "existential," formed from Latin "existere" (to stand forth, emerge, or come into being), composed of "ex-" (out) plus "sistere" (to take a stand). The adjective entered English in the 17th century, and the adverb followed. Its philosophical sense was shaped by 19th- and 20th-century existentialist thinkers such as Kierkegaard, Heidegger, and Sartre. Cognate forms appear across European languages, including French "existentiel" and German "existenziell."
Related word forms
How existentially is actually used
Register ranges from formal philosophical writing to everyday journalism; in casual use it often signals that a threat or question goes to the root of one's identity or survival rather than merely being inconvenient.
Easily confused with existentially
'Essentially' means fundamentally or basically in character, while 'existentially' relates specifically to existence, being, or deep questions of meaning and survival.