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

see also:

in actuality

Synonyms of actuality

• existence

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

The Lumières would remain comparatively grounded, sometimes working in what could be called actualities, other times in deliberately fictional sequences. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 1 Apr. 2026

In actuality, Miller desperately needed a bucket to extend a 69-68 lead and had drawn up a play calling on star guard Tramon Mark to drive to the basket and get a shot off. —Kirk Bohls, Houston Chronicle, 22 Mar. 2026

The first Boxster was little loved by Porsche purists at the time, but the mid-engine roadster—which helped keep the company afloat during dire times—was in actuality a delight to drive. —Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2026

In actuality, the Oscars are being held at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles. —Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Mar. 2026

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

Phrases Containing actuality

• in actuality

Rhymes for actuality

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