actuality

noun

ac·​tu·​al·​i·​ty ˌak-chə-ˈwa-lə-tē 

ˌak-shə-

plural actualities

1

: the quality or state of being actual

2

: something that is actual : fact, reality

possible risks which have been seized upon as actualities

—T. S. Eliot

Phrases

in actuality

: in actual fact

Synonyms

• corporality
• corporeality
• existence
• reality
• subsistence
• thingness

Examples of actuality in a Sentence

The actuality was quite different from the theory.

the actuality of the Abominable Snowman is not taken seriously by scientists

Recent Examples on the Web

In actuality, more love songs are topping charts than ever before, the study found. —Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025

In actuality, though, delays are sometimes a good thing. —Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025

Althoff’s exhibitions always seem in sympathy with such distinct rearrangements of actuality, time, and temper. —Michael Bracewell, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2025

In actuality, what Trump is proposing looks very little like Israel’s Iron Dome. —Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English actualite "capacity for action, effective power," borrowed from Medieval Latin āctuālitāt-, āctuālitās, from Late Latin āctuālis actual + Latin -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for actuality

• angiography
• laryngoscopy
• ostracod
• predominately
• sensuality
• stochastically
• abc
• absentee
• addressee
• adoptee
• agouti
• allottee