reality check

noun

: something that clarifies or serves as a reminder of reality often by correcting a misconception

Examples of reality check in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

If the Big Ten was resting their hopes on Ohio State being able to put together an offense capable of contending for a national championship, then Saturday night's 30-18 loss to USC was a reality check on the current situation. — Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026

Meaning the burn of this loss, the clarifying reality check and the imperative to improve. — Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026

The most sobering reality check on Beirut City Pop brings the conflict into stark relief. — Shy Clara Thompson, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026

But the sleek-looking showroom and an attractive prototype still face a production reality check. — Eric Bangeman, ArsTechnica, 20 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for reality check

• aztec
• breakneck
• codec
• exec
• mixtec
• paycheck
• pinchbeck
• recheck
• redneck
• toltec
• beck
• breck