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

But in actuality, Miami’s cap number would be at least $10 million higher because of cap holds for empty spots and the first-round pick. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2026

To learn and carry that over from the previous practice into the film room and actuality execute it out here was great to see. —Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026

In actuality, the massive size and impressive wall height of some hillforts indicate that the structures also functioned as community status symbols. —News Desk, Artforum, 10 Apr. 2026

In actuality, a soccer drubbing broke out. —Josh Gross, Daily News, 5 Apr. 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

Phrases Containing actuality

• in actuality

Rhymes for actuality

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