English Reference
noun

realization

n.
US /ˈɹiɫəˈzeɪʃən/ re·al·iza·tion UK spelling realisation, realization's, realization's

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the moment you suddenly understand or become aware of something.

    the cognitive act of becoming fully aware of something as a fact.

    Simple

    The realization that she had left her keys at work made her stop walking.

    In context

    The sudden realization of the project's true cost forced the board to reconsider their entire expansion strategy for the upcoming fiscal year.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    the act of making a plan, hope, or dream happen in real life.

    the achievement or practical manifestation of something planned or desired.

    Simple

    Winning the award was the realization of his lifelong dream to be a writer.

    In context

    The successful launch of the satellite represented the final realization of years of collaborative research between the two universities.

    achievementfulfillmentactualization
  3. 03 C2 Proficiency TechnicalFormal Law

    selling something you own to get the money from it.

    the process of converting assets, such as property or stocks, into cash.

    Simple

    The realization of the company's assets took several months after it closed.

    In context

    The court-ordered realization of the defendant's offshore holdings was necessary to compensate the victims of the fraud.

    Usage

    Often used in legal or financial contexts regarding the sale of a bankrupt person's property.

And yet, the realization of this goal often comes with unanticipated psychological costs.

Phys.org· 19 Aug 2026

When Middleton speaks to groups of ranchers who are set on repelling wolves, he says one of the most powerful realizations is that the animals are not going away.

Smithsonian Magazine· 31 Jul 2026

From French réalisation, from Middle French; equivalent to realize + -ation.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated