fact of life

noun phrase

1

: something that exists and must be taken into consideration

2

facts of life plural : the fundamental physiological processes and behavior involved in sex and reproduction

Examples of fact of life in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Here's why your electric bill is going up Inflation is a fact of life, especially in recent years. —Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025

Aging is a fact of life, but how quickly your body and mind change can depend on lifestyle factors. —Teresa Maalouf, Verywell Health, 26 Sep. 2025

Milwaukee’s reading crisis has been a grim fact of life for years. —Alan J. Borsuk, jsonline.com, 26 Sep. 2025

Backup quarterbacks are a fact of life in the NFL, with responsibilities ranging from knowing the playbook despite limited practice time to acting as a liaison between the starter and the rest of the team, former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III has said. —Andrew Greif, NBC news, 17 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1806, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for fact of life

• afterlife
• pocketknife
• alewife
• birdlife
• folklife
• housewife
• jackknife
• loosestrife
• midlife
• midwife
• nightlife
• penknife

Kids Definition

fact of life

noun

1

: something that exists and must be taken into consideration

tests are a fact of life for students

2

plural : the basic bodily processes and behavior involved in sex and reproduction