unreality

noun

un·​re·​al·​i·​ty ˌən-rē-ˈa-lə-tē How to pronounce unreality (audio)
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

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 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 Until, eventually, the scope of this unreality ripples outwards into the really real world of geopolitics in dangerous ways. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 20 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for unreality 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unreality.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1744, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of unreality was in 1744

Dictionary Entries Near unreality

Cite this Entry

“Unreality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unreality. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

unreality

noun
un·​re·​al·​i·​ty ˌən-rē-ˈal-ət-ē How to pronounce unreality (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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