fact of life

American  

noun

1. any aspect of human existence that must be acknowledged or regarded as unalterable.

   Old age is a fact of life.

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idioms

1. facts of life, the facts concerning sex, reproduction, and birth.

   to teach children the facts of life.

Etymology

Origin of fact of life

First recorded in 1850–55

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

fact of life

Unprecedented flooding is quickly becoming a fact of life in some Southern California coastal communities.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 27, 2026

It’s a mathematical fact of life that a portfolio that loses 20% and then gains 20% will still be down 4%, while one that loses and gains 30% will still be down 9%.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 14, 2026

Leaders of other countries went to him, a well-recognized fact of life in the United States Senate, when they needed something.

From Slate ● Jul. 14, 2026

The FSS also issued a “consumer warning” last week to remind investors that “with stock market volatility increasing” sharp price changes are a new fact of life.

From Barron's ● Jun. 23, 2026

The remit was another harsh fact of life.

From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis

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