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.
In actuality, staying true to his compensation practices amid the poaching chaos has been a win for Anthropic’s culture. Diane Brady, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2025 Had the case not crossed his desk, the defendants may never have known that their case was hardly a mere legal challenge but, in actuality, a case with national security importance. Michael Patrick Flanagan, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025 In actuality, Jelly Roll’s loss was a bit of a surprise. Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2025 Hyundai claims an extremely wallet-and-ozone-friendly 60.3 mpg (3.9 L/100km), but in actuality only got 45.2 mpg (5.2 L/100km). Joe Salas july 31, New Atlas, 31 July 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

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Cite this Entry

“Actuality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/actuality. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

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