unreality

noun

un·​re·​al·​i·​ty ˌən-rē-ˈa-lə-tē 

1

a

: the quality or state of being unreal : lack of substance or validity

the unreality of a dream

b

: something unreal, insubstantial, or visionary : figment

When we find ourselves fading into shadows and unrealities, it seems hardly worthwhile to be sad …

—Nathaniel Hawthorne

2

: ineptitude in dealing with reality

… the unreality of the ivory-tower attitude …

—Leslie Rees

Synonyms of unreality

• illusion
• dream
• fantasy
• daydream
• vision
• delusion

Examples of unreality in a Sentence

a sci-fi author who seems to have preferred the unrealities of his own fiction to the realities of the world about him

Recent Examples on the Web

The passion for sports is a matter of its unrealities—its past is more myth than history. —Austin Elias-De Jesus, New Yorker, 3 June 2026

The unreality of Lexi’s play gave us a fun-house mirror of the show cast back onto itself. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 2 June 2026

The percussive score by Joseph Shirley and Moses Sumney underlines this, and gives the whole film an eerie, curious atmosphere, lending to a sense of nightmarish unreality. —Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 15 May 2026

As to the actual debate, there was an aura of unreality among the Democrats. —John Seiler, Oc Register, 29 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1744, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for unreality

• banality
• bestiality
• brutality
• carnality
• centrality
• chirality
• duality
• fatality
• finality
• formality
• frugality
• legality

Kids Definition

unreality

noun

un·​re·​al·​i·​ty ˌən-rē-ˈal-ət-ē 

1

a

: the quality or state of being unreal : nonexistence

an air of unreality about the place

b

: something unreal or imaginary : figment

2

: inability to deal with reality