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

Even the most bullish of investors might be feeling a reality check since SpaceX launched. — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 8 July 2026

Testing with real physical components rather than just computer models provided a critical reality check. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 6 July 2026

This is followed by a square between the sun in Cancer and Saturn in Aries on July 6, which can serve as a necessary reality check, especially around your desire for autonomy versus what’s safe and familiar. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026

Meanwhile, England got a harsh reality check in a scoreless draw with Ghana. — Mark Hodge, NBC news, 24 June 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