reality check

American

noun

a corrective confronting of reality, in order to counteract one's expectations, prejudices, or the like.

reality check British

noun

an occasion or opportunity to consider a matter realistically or honestly

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

reality check Idioms

An assessment to determine if one's circumstances or expectations conform to reality, as in Time for a reality check—wasn't this supposed to be a money-making enterprise? [Slang; second half of 1900s]

Etymology

Origin of reality check

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A reality check on the Chinese model is in order.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 23, 2026

Stay for a great reality check on A.I., and an optimistic read on the interaction between machine and human intelligence.

From Slate • Jun. 22, 2026

It might also serve as something of a reality check.

From Salon • Jun. 11, 2026

"I gave him a reality check of what married life would be like."

From BBC • May 19, 2026

"Of course she does. But she has you around to give her a reality check from time to time."

From "City of the Plague God" by Sarwat Chadda

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023