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.
Second, look behind the curtain to determine which developer will benefit from an unnecessary parking garage that will, in actuality, sit empty most of the time. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 10 July 2025 In actuality, school vouchers go toward private schools that choose which children to enroll, reject, or kick out. Jessica Alcantara, Time, 2 July 2025 But in actuality, there’s little indication social niceties significantly improve outputs. Preston Fore, Fortune, 2 July 2025 The free agency period officially opened at 5 p.m. CDT Monday but in actuality was rolling long before that. Tim Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 1 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 19 Jul. 2025.

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