/ ˌæktʃuˈæləti; NAmE / noun ( pl. -ies ) ( formal )
1.
[ U ] the state of sth existing in reality :
The building looked as impressive in actuality as it did in photographs.
2.
[ C , usually pl. ] things that exist
SYN facts , realities :
the grim actualities of prison life
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (in the sense activity ): from Old French actualite or medieval Latin actualitas , from actualis active, practical, from actus event, thing done, act- done, from the verb agere , reinforced by the French noun acte .