actuality

noun

ac·​tu·​al·​i·​ty ˌak-chə-ˈwa-lə-tē How to pronounce actuality (audio)
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 actualitiesT. S. Eliot
Phrases
in actuality
: in actual fact

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But in actuality, only now does the real work have to begin. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2025 In actuality, the infrastructure is a carefully orchestrated combination of multiple tracking systems. Erik Matuszewski, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025 In actuality, the government spent less on the contract — around $400 million over the course of the past four years for 44 different sub-contracts — and the IDIQ is likely to have only minimal additional spending. Dan Ruetenik, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2025 In actuality, more love songs are topping charts than ever before, the study found. Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for actuality

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of actuality was in 1587

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Actuality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/actuality. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on actuality

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!