realization

[ree-uh-luh-zey-shuhn]

noun

1. the making or being made real of something imagined, planned, etc.

2. the result of such a process.

   The new church was the realization of a ten-year dream.

3. the act of realizing or the state of being realized.

4. an instance or result of realizing.

5. Music.

   1. the act of realizing a figured bass.

   2. a printed score of a realized figured bass.

Other Word Forms

• nonrealization noun
• prerealization noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of realization¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from French réalisation; equivalent to realize + -ation

Example Sentences

As they fled the scene, the pair came to a realization: It might not be appropriate for every occasion.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Private-equity realizations—the money made from investment sales—increased to 13.2 billion euros as of the end of June from 11 billion euros a year earlier as exit activity rebounds following a period of downturn.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

There are three levels of that realization that we have to go through if we choose to.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

This is a nightmare realization of an ambient fear that people of color and gay folks in this country learn to live with.

Read more on Salon

“Neighbors that I talked to, we just wanted something to grasp onto that we’re actually moving forward. There’s some realization that we can get back home sooner rather than later.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accomplishment 
• attainment 
• fulfillment 
• success