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

But in actuality, quality lyricism is the essence of rap — sometimes that means battle bars. —Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 23 May 2025

In actuality, Taylor could elect a minor league assignment in lieu of being released, but that seems highly unlikely. —Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025

The art of hospitality, the invitation to neighbor, is in actuality an investment in radical care, spiritual healing, and Black liberation. —Essence, 20 May 2025

People think the Hellions destroyed their own planet, when in actuality, the mysterious Corporation did so in order to harvest Hell Poppy flowers for honey flavoring. —Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 17 May 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