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

Slavery was a fact of life for ancient Greeks; anyone could be captured and trafficked. — Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 16 July 2026

Commentary and opinions Bloody crashes are a fact of life on Malibu’s fabled but deadly stretch of PCH, argues columnist Robin Abcarian. — Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026

Rattlesnakes may be a fact of life in the wild, but finding one in your yard is an entirely different matter. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 16 June 2026

Navigating busy airports is a fact of life for travelers, however a new report reveals some airports are significantly more accommodating than others. — Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 2026

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
• midlife
• midwife
• nightlife
• penknife
• wildlife

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