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

• 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, there are quite important reasons for pregnant people to rely on acetaminophen for pain management and to reduce fevers. —Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 23 Sep. 2025

Written by Noah Oppenheim, Bigelow’s real-time thriller about the banalities and actualities of a fictional-in-premise-only nuclear attack on the United States is Netflix’s best horse in the race at the Oscars this year. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 19 Sep. 2025

But in actuality, most awards show speeches are sweaty, nervous, uncomfortable, exceedingly earnest, and grateful. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025

Kremser said those players should all be in FIU’s Hall of Fame, but, in actuality, Eketebi is the first Panthers soccer player to earn that distinction. —Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 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