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

Phrases

in actuality

: in actual fact

Synonyms

• corporality
• corporeality
• existence
• reality
• subsistence
• thingness

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

The hoax message provides a link that looks similar to the legitimate account URL, but in actuality, is slightly different. —Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 1 May 2025

In actuality, the delicious treat is made of vanilla ice cream coated with cocoa powder to create the illusion, paying homage to the state's signature export. —Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 1 May 2025

The conclave will gather again in actuality as the Vatican revealed that Pope Francis, 88, the leader of the Catholic Church, passed on April 21, 2025, the day after Easter Sunday. —Gabriele Regalbuto, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2025

The actuality of it breaks through the fog of the drugs and terror and catastrophe that had been filling his head for so long. —Alexis Soloski, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025

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