unreality

noun

un·​re·​al·​i·​ty ˌən-rē-ˈa-lə-tē 

1

a

: the quality or state of being unreal : lack of substance or validity

b

: something unreal, insubstantial, or visionary : figment

2

: ineptitude in dealing with reality

Synonyms

• chimera
• conceit
• daydream
• delusion
• dream
• fancy
• fantasy
• phantasy
• figment
• hallucination
• illusion
• nonentity
• phantasm
• fantasm
• pipe dream
• vision

Examples of unreality in a Sentence

a sci-fi author who seems to have preferred the unrealities of his own fiction to the realities of the world about him

Recent Examples on the Web

Yes, the unreality of Penelope’s fable-like frequency can be discombobulating; seasoned outdoors enthusiasts and Alone heads will probably pull their hair out at the lack of realistic detail. —Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 4 Oct. 2024

Some kinds of hallucination, various psychedelic hallucinations among them, combine a sense of unreality with perceptual vividness, as does lucid dreaming. —Anil K. Seth, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2019

Biden’s Presidency may have offered a measure of stability and sanity to those reeling from the unreality of the Trump years, but his reëlection campaign did not. —Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2024

After such a long Conservative reign, there’s a feeling of unreality to events. —Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett, Vogue, 5 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1744, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

unreality

noun

un·​re·​al·​i·​ty ˌən-rē-ˈal-ət-ē 

1

a

: the quality or state of being unreal : nonexistence

an air of unreality about the place

b

: something unreal or imaginary : figment

2

: inability to deal with reality