actual

American  

[ak-choo-uhl] / ˈæk tʃu əl /

adjective

1. existing in act or fact; real.

   an actual case of heroism; actual expenses.

   Synonyms:

   veritable, authentic, genuine

   Antonyms:

   fictional, unreal

2. existing now; present; current.

   The ship's actual position is 22 miles due east of Miami.

3. Obsolete. pertaining to or involving acts or action.

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actual British  

/ ˈæktʃʊəl /

adjective

1. existing in reality or as a matter of fact

2. real or genuine

3. existing at the present time; current

4. informal (usually preceded by your) (intensifier)

   that music's by your actual Mozart, isn't it?

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Usage

The excessive use of actual and actually should be avoided. They are unnecessary in sentences such as in actual fact, he is forty-two, and he did actually go to the play but did not enjoy it

Related Words

See real ¹.

Other Word Forms

• actualness noun
• nonactual adjective
• nonactualness noun

Etymology

Origin of actual

First recorded in 1275–1325; from Late Latin āctuālis, from Latin āctu(s) act + -ālis -al ¹; replacing Middle English actuel, from Middle French, from Latin

Compare meaning

How does actual compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• actual vs. theoretical

Explanation

If you describe something as actual, it really exists or is true. You might excitedly tell your friends that you saw an actual bald eagle land on your mailbox. Use the adjective actual when you want to emphasize that something is certain or confirmed, especially when it's different from what you expected. For example, you might say, "The actual length of my cousin's visit was three weeks, even though she said she'd stay three days." The Old French root is actuel, "now existing," from the Latin word actus, "a doing, driving, or impulse."

Example Sentences

To that end, he brought in actual NFL players as consultants to help with the storylines and make sure the details make sense.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2026

Advisers should always disclose to their clients any material differences between the actual purchase price and the new carrying value of a loan.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 27, 2026

That could lead to actual layoffs later if not enough take up the offer.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

"The bank is back in crisis mode, shifting its focus from longer-term projections to actual developments and back to a 'driving at sight' approach," he said.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

Just when I thought I’d be wandering in the trees forever, I popped out on the other side, and the thumping became actual drums, blasting from car radios.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Related Words

• certain
• existing
• physical
• real
• substantial
• substantive