actual

8 definitions • 11 examples

existing in fact:

We had estimated about 300 visitors, but the actual number was much higher.

The exams are in July, but the actual results (= the results themselves) don't appear until September.

really:

I thought she was Portuguese, but in actual fact she's Brazilian.

real; existing in fact:

We expected 50 people, but the actual number was a lot higher.

true or exact:

actual amount/cost/figure Residents are paying electricity prices that are double the actual cost of generating electricity.

There is a gap between desired and actual performance.

actual sales/results

real, rather than part of an idea or plan:

He's had a lot of interviews, but never had an actual job.

real, not on the internet:

The actual stores offer local convenience while the virtual stores offer variety for shoppers.

an amount of money that a company really spends, rather than an amount of money that it plans or expects to spend:

We continuously compare budgeted amounts with actuals.

something that physically exists such as oil, metal, grain, or coffee that is traded on the stock market:

Transactions can be trade in actuals or by means of futures contracts.