Word
actuality
Phoneticsac·tu·al·i·ty, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌæktʃuˈæɫəˌti/
UK/ˌæktʃuːˈælɪti/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. the state of being real or existing in fact. You use it when you want to contrast what is actually happening with what people imagine or plan.
n. the state of existing in reality or fact as opposed to possibility or theory.
Examples
“In actuality, the plan was much harder to finish than we expected.”
“The marketing campaign promised a luxury experience, but the actuality of the resort was quite disappointing for the guests.”
“Philosophers often distinguish between potentiality and actuality, arguing that an object's true nature is only revealed when its latent possibilities are fully realized in the physical world.”
Examples
simple
“In actuality, the plan was much harder to finish than we expected.”
contextual
“The marketing campaign promised a luxury experience, but the actuality of the resort was quite disappointing for the guests.”
complex
“Philosophers often distinguish between potentiality and actuality, arguing that an object's true nature is only revealed when its latent possibilities are fully realized in the physical world.”
Usage
Often used in the prepositional phrase 'in actuality' to introduce a contrast with a previous statement.
Real-World Examples
“Although I ordered and paid for a GY-91 with an onboard 9250 IMU, and that’s what it identified as, in actuality, it was a basic, cheaper 6500 IMU, one that lacks the magnetometer.” “In actuality, though, this makes it very difficult for horror to ever emerge victorious.” Etymology
From actual + -ity. * (television): Influenced by French actualité.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/actuality