actuality

noun

ac·​tu·​al·​i·​ty ˌak-chə-ˈwa-lə-tē 

ˌak-shə-

plural actualities

1

: the quality or state of being actual

2

: something that is actual : fact, reality

… possible risks which have been seized upon as actualities …

—T. S. Eliot

see also:

in actuality

Synonyms of actuality

• existence

Examples of actuality in a Sentence

The actuality was quite different from the theory.

the actuality of the Abominable Snowman is not taken seriously by scientists

Recent Examples on the Web

In actuality, such missteps are usually neither obvious nor uncommon. —Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 15 Feb. 2026

And in actuality, the former first lady did help arrange that book deal, according to Reuters. —Erin Jensen, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026

In actuality, 5-year-olds and 2-year-olds are being shipped to a private prison in Texas. —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 9 Feb. 2026

In actuality, honesty is the best policy. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English actualite "capacity for action, effective power," borrowed from Medieval Latin āctuālitāt-, āctuālitās, from Late Latin āctuālis actual + Latin -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for actuality

• angiography
• laryngoscopy
• ostracod
• predominately
• sensuality
• stochastically
• abc
• absentee
• addressee
• adoptee
• agouti
• allottee