Partial/ˈpɑːrʃl/ Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/3Often in Progress Use 'partial' when something is in the process of being completed or could potentially be developed further. His novel is still a partial draft. Pro Tip 2/3Not Total 'Partial' implies that a larger whole exists, part of which is being referred to or presented. She had only a partial view of the stage. Pro Tip 3/3Partial Effort Describes an effort that is not 100% or lacking in some way. They made only a partial attempt to clean the room.