fact of life

noun phrase

1
: something that exists and must be taken into consideration
2
facts of life plural : the fundamental physiological processes and behavior involved in sex and reproduction

Examples of fact of life in a Sentence

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.
Unintentional misgendering is a fact of life in many families with a transgender loved one. Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 29 May 2025 Some say losing the U.S. edge is a fact of life, but that may not be the right word. Matthew Chase Levy, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025 Until fresher thinking finally takes hold, mass poverty will remain a defining fact of life across the Golden State. U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2025 But these latest wildfires underscore that the warming climate is also making disasters more likely in Minnesota as wildfire season — a fact of life in the state — is becoming longer and more severe, experts say. Jeff Ernst, New York Times, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for fact of life

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1806, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fact of life was circa 1806

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fact of life.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fact%20of%20life. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

fact of life

noun
1
: something that exists and must be taken into consideration
tests are a fact of life for students
2
plural : the basic bodily processes and behavior involved in sex and reproduction
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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