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

Those who switch need to know this is a fact of life for Advantage members, which can lead to delays or denial of medical care. — Diane Omdahl, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

In other words, Pass-ta-key is a fact of life that has existed for as long as computing security has. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 11 Aug. 2026

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

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